The vision that would give life to Matias Soccer Club was formally realized in April 2004 with the founding of the Matias Soccer Club Soccer School in East Boston, Massachusetts, by brothers John Jairo Mejia (“Matías”) and Juan Fernando Mejia. However, the roots of this vision stretch back several years earlier.
Between 2001 and 2003, long before the school existed as a formal institution, the Mejia brothers were already deeply involved in the East Boston community through soccer clinics, recreational programs, and cultural events. These early initiatives were created to promote not only the sport of soccer, but also the values of teamwork, discipline, and cultural pride within the local Latino and immigrant communities.
Both founders are former professional soccer players with established careers in Colombia. After concluding his professional career in 1998, John Jairo Mejia, together with his brother Juan Fernando, saw soccer as a powerful vehicle to continue giving back—particularly to children. Their shared goal was to encourage healthy, active lifestyles while building a strong sense of community through sport.
The opportunity to launch the club in the United States came through the support of community leaders in East Boston who were committed to promoting Colombian culture and youth development. Symbolically, the club’s earliest community initiatives coincided with Colombia’s Independence Day on July 20, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Mejia brothers in the United States.
By April 2004, years of grassroots work officially culminated in the creation of Matias Soccer Club as a formal soccer school. The mission extended beyond athletic training: the school sought to provide recreation, mentorship, and community connection at a time when soccer remained less prominent than sports such as football, baseball, and basketball in the United States. Matías Soccer Club intentionally focused on serving Latino and immigrant families, filling a cultural and recreational gap in East Boston.
From 2001 to 2003, and continuing after its formal founding, the club operated largely through nonprofit and volunteer-driven activities, participating in local programs and cultural celebrations. Education through sport and service to the community were foundational principles from the very beginning.
Matias Soccer Club operated in East Boston from 2004 through the summer of 2006, experiencing rapid growth and strong community support. Due to its success and the increasing participation of children from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, the club made the strategic decision to expand.
In April 2006, Matias Soccer Club opened a new location in Chelsea, Massachusetts, a neighboring city to East Boston. This expansion was made possible through the invitation and collaboration of Olmilson Medina, a respected soccer leader in the Chelsea community who recognized the positive impact the club had achieved. The growing demand among Latino and immigrant youth for structured soccer programs made Chelsea a natural next step.
The Chelsea program quickly flourished, attracting children not only from Chelsea but also from surrounding cities such as Revere, Everett, and East Boston. Since that time, Matias Soccer Club has maintained a strong and consistent presence throughout these communities, establishing itself as a trusted institution with deep local roots.
Over the years, the club has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the families it serves. Its acceptance by both immigrant and non-immigrant Latino communities has been essential to its sustained success. As the quality of training and organizational capacity grew, Matias Soccer Club expanded its participation in regional, statewide, and international tournaments.
Today, Matias Soccer Club serves children and youth ages 5 to 18, offering year-round programming during the spring, summer, and winter seasons. The club remains committed not only to athletic excellence, but also to the personal growth, discipline, and character development of every player.
One of the club’s most significant achievements is its international affiliation with the Baby Fútbol Colanta Tournament in Medellin, Colombia, one of the most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the world and a platform where numerous professional players have been discovered. Matias Soccer Club proudly represents the United States team, conducting tryouts in multiple cities across the country to identify and develop top youth talent.
Matias Soccer Club is an established nonprofit organization, recognized for its dedication to youth development, community engagement, and educational enrichment through sport. As a nonprofit, the club actively works to build sponsorships, partnerships, and community support that expand access to high-quality soccer programming and international opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds.
From its early beginnings in grassroots community clinics to its role as a regional and international youth soccer institution, Matias Soccer Club has built a lasting legacy—one rooted in service, culture, and the belief that sport can open doors, inspire dreams, and transform lives.