Matthew Lewis Labarre

Please introduce Never Too Young FC and explain my role in shaping its direction and day-to-day work.

I co-founded Never Too Young FC with my wife in 2021 in Dover, New Hampshire. The program introduces soccer and basic nutrition to children ages three to five. My role is both operational and strategic. I design the structure of the sessions, train coaches, and oversee how the program runs week to week. I also guide the larger vision. That includes how we serve families, how we engage with local communities, and how we maintain a consistent experience for very young children. My focus is simple: create a place where young kids can move, learn, and gain confidence in a safe environment.

How do I build the systems and partnerships needed to run the program effectively?

The system starts with structure. Sessions are short, energetic, and repeatable. Young children need consistency. We run movement stations, simple games, and short skill exercises. Every activity lasts only a few minutes. That keeps attention high. I keep most operational work close to the program. Coaching, training, and curriculum design stay in-house, so we maintain quality. We partner externally with local parks, community spaces, and small businesses. That hybrid approach allows us to stay flexible while staying connected to the local community.

What makes the program different in a crowded youth sports environment?

Most youth sports programs start around age six or seven. We focus on ages three to five. That requires a different mindset. We design everything around play rather than competition. A session may include running games, simple obstacle courses, and kicking exercises that feel like play rather than drills. We also introduce simple nutrition ideas. Kids hear things like “food gives you energy to play.” The goal is not performance. The goal is confidence and enjoyment.

Which families and communities do I focus on serving today?

We serve young families with preschool-aged children. Many parents want their kids to move and interact with others, but they struggle to find structured options at that age. Our program fills that gap. Over time, the focus has expanded slightly. We now consider how families connect with each other during sessions. Parents meet other families in their area. That community aspect has become an important part of what we offer.

What problems do parents usually bring to the program?

The most common issue is access. Parents often say their children are eager to play sports but cannot yet join existing programs. Another issue is confidence. Some children feel nervous in group settings. Our sessions address both. We provide a place where kids can try things without pressure. A child might start by watching. After a few weeks, they often join the activities. The program works because the environment feels welcoming and predictable.

How do I stay informed about early childhood development and youth sports trends?

I stay close to the field. Coaching sessions and observing children are my primary feedback loop. I also maintain coaching credentials through USA Youth Soccer and Grassroots Soccer. Those systems emphasize safety, development, and age-appropriate training methods. I also talk regularly with parents and other coaches. That gives me practical insight into what families need.

What does long-term trust with families look like in this kind of program?

Trust comes from consistency. Parents need to know that each session will be structured, safe, and positive. We maintain clear routines. The same warm-up structure appears every week. Coaches greet children by name. Parents can see their children’s progress over time. That steady experience builds trust.

How do I define success for the children and families we serve?

Success is simple. A child participates, smiles, and wants to come back. At ages three to five, development shows up in small moments. A child kicks a ball for the first time. Another child joins a group activity after observing for several weeks. Those moments signal progress.

What responsibility do I have after families complete a program cycle?

We stay connected with families even after sessions end. Many return for additional seasons. Others move on to other sports programs. Our role is to give children a positive starting point so they continue exploring movement and activities later.

How do I think about pricing and value for families?

The program must be accessible while still supporting the work required to run it. Families should feel the experience is organized, safe, and meaningful. The value comes from structure, coaching attention, and the environment we create for young children.

How do I balance accessibility with maintaining quality?

Quality comes from the structure of the sessions and the preparation of coaches. If the program grows, the training model must grow with it. That ensures families receive the same experience regardless of location or session size.

Have I ever declined opportunities that did not align with the program’s goals?

Yes. If an opportunity pushes the program toward competition or early performance pressure, I usually step back. The program is designed around development and enjoyment. Maintaining that philosophy matters more than rapid expansion.

What challenges have shaped how I lead the program?

The biggest challenge is designing activities that keep very young children engaged. Attention spans are short. Activities must change frequently. We constantly adjust the structure of sessions to keep energy high while maintaining safety and clarity.

How do I encourage improvement while keeping operations disciplined?

We review sessions regularly. Coaches share feedback after programs. If something works well, we repeat it. If an activity loses engagement, we redesign it. That simple feedback cycle keeps the program evolving.

What role does culture play in the program’s performance?

Culture is central. Coaches must stay patient, positive, and encouraging. Children mirror the environment around them. If coaches remain calm and supportive, children respond with curiosity rather than fear.

What long-term impact do I hope the program creates?

I want children to develop a positive relationship with movement. If a child leaves our program believing they enjoy physical activity, that is meaningful. That attitude can influence their habits for years.

How has my leadership philosophy developed over time?

It has become simpler. Early in my career, I focused on skills and performance. Working with young children changed that. Now I focus on the environment. When the environment is supportive, progress follows naturally.

What changes in youth sports interest me most today?

There is growing awareness that early childhood programs should prioritize play and development. That shift aligns with what we have been building.