
MATTHEW
ROSE
Matthew – COO & Co-Founder, AF Global Football
Matthew Rose is the COO and Co-Founder of AF Global Football, where he oversees the organisation’s football operations and plays a central role in shaping its player development philosophy. A former professional footballer, Matthew came through the Arsenal Academy under Arsène Wenger, went on to play for Arsenal’s first team, and made more than 300 appearances for Queens Park Rangers (QPR). He also represented England at U21 level, gaining first-hand experience of the demands and standards of the professional game.

Following his retirement from playing, Matthew transitioned into coaching and football development. He headed up Arsenal’s European Academy and later served as first-team coach at Barnsley FC before co-founding AF Global Football. At AF Global, he leads the design and delivery of elite training programmes that focus on technical, tactical, and mental growth, ensuring every player is supported on their journey.
Matthew is committed to sharing the lessons he learned as a professional footballer, building an environment where young athletes can thrive on the pitch, excel academically, and prepare for long-term success beyond football.