Coach Matt McCartney
🏀🐺 Founder, Club Director & Youth Basketball Coach 🐺🏀
Matt is an experienced youth basketball coach who has worked with players aged 8–18 across a wide range of abilities. He previously served as Head Coach of the Rutland Thunders U17 team, leading players through structured training, development, and preparation for competitive play. Working with teenagers has shaped Matt’s calm, patient coaching style — one that focuses on building confidence, discipline, and teamwork in a supportive and understanding environment.
Before moving to Market Harborough in 2017, Matt lived in a small town in Lincolnshire where there was almost no basketball presence. Growing up without access to a proper club shaped his passion for ensuring young players here have opportunities he never had. Combined with the lack of youth‑focused basketball options in the Harborough area, this inspired Matt to create something new for the community.
Harborough Howlers was founded to give young players a local, accessible, development‑focused basketball club where they can learn, grow, and feel part of a supportive sporting community. 🏀
Safety & Professional Standards
- Enhanced DBS checked
- Safeguarding & Protecting Children certified
- Basketball England registered coach
- Experience coaching U12–U17 players
Coaching Philosophy
- Teaching strong fundamentals
- Building confidence through patience and encouragement
- Supporting players through mistakes as a natural part of learning
- Promoting teamwork and communication
- Creating a safe, inclusive environment for everyone to learn and enjoy the game of basketball
Matt’s approach is patient, understanding, and non‑judgemental, helping every player improve at their own pace while enjoying the game. 🐺