Coaching Staff
Best of the Best
Matt Pearson
Director / Consultant
From Glasgow, Scotland. Matt arrived in the United States in 2011 after spells in the UK, Malta and Greece. He held various roles at the Chicago Fire helping him develop a good understanding of the youth soccer landscape. While helping on the PDL side, he also undertook a number of scouting assignments in 2015, working alongside Trevor James to build a database of players for the club heading into the 2016 MLS Draft. Following the MLS draft he was appointed Director of scouting for the club. The Chicago Fire finished 3rd overall in the MLS Supporters Shield Standings. Later on Pearson led the MLS u19 Next pro to a National Championship
Garrett M. Hayward
Club Owner / General Manager
Garrett founded Chicago Nation FC in 2020. Nation entered the United Premier Soccer League. Hayward led the club to an undefeated run to the National Championship finishing 2nd in the country out of 350 teams. In 5 seasons Nation has 2 final four appearances and 3 top 16 finishes. Now entering our 6th season Nation looks to get back to the final 4 and win gold.
AJ Ostrowski
Assistant Coach
Coach AJ has been a truly valued member of the coaching staff since 2021. Coach AJ has his National "C" license and coaches for FCX youth academy. Coach AJ helped lead Nation to a top 8 finish in the UPSL in his first year.