Meet Matthew Escobar | Soccer Trainer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Escobar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The most important decision I made that contributed to my success was to constantly bet on myself and not rely on sheer chance. I kept grinding even when the near future seemed bleak, trusting that my hard work, consistency, and belief in my own abilities would eventually pay off. Instead of waiting for opportunities to fall into my lap, I created them through relentless effort and persistence. That mindset—choosing to invest in myself no matter the circumstances—made all the difference.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets MRE FC Soccer Training apart from competitors is our attention to detail and highly personalized feedback. Every athlete receives tailored training sessions designed to fit their specific needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. We go beyond just running drills—we ensure that each player understands why they are doing certain exercises and how they translate to in-game situations. This level of care and customization creates an environment where athletes can truly develop and maximize their potential.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the rapid growth of MRE FC. In just a year and a half since moving to San Diego, we’ve established ourselves in a highly competitive market, surrounded by well-known and well-positioned trainers. Despite the challenges, we’ve continued to expand quickly, and I’m excited to see where this year will take us.
I started MRE FC back in 2017 during my freshman year of high school in Ventura County, training young athletes—mainly family and friends. As I gained experience, I had the opportunity to train under high-level coaches, including ex-professional goalkeeper Ian Feuer. By the time I was a junior in high school, I was working with middle school athletes, and took on coaching positions at clubs such as Sporting FC and AYSO United. I built up my credentials through my time at Moorpark College by taking online coaching courses to expand my knowledge in both field player and goalkeeper training. This commitment to growth allowed me to start training high school, semi-pro, and D1-committed athletes.

When I moved to San Diego, I continued building my resume, eventually training athletes at the Youth National Level, including a U-17 national player from the Dominican Republic. These achievements were not easy—I’m currently balancing running a business, scheduling training sessions, managing social media, updating my website, designing training plans, coaching for local soccer clubs, staying on top of my coursework as a full-time student at SDSU, and even keeping up with my sales internship over the summer.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that if I allow myself to get lazy, it’s incredibly hard to bounce back into work mode. That’s why even on rest days, I try to stay productive—whether it’s editing training videos, updating my website, or refining my business strategy.

I want the world to know that to be successful, you need to lean on your biggest supporters and be open to feedback. My family, girlfriend, and best friends were my rock, always lifting me up during tough times. I also learned early on how valuable criticism can be—whether it was improving my coaching sessions, upgrading my website, or refining my editing skills. Growth comes from being open to learning, adapting, and continuously striving to improve.

MRE FC Soccer Training is more than just a business—it’s a passion-driven mission to develop athletes, help them reach their full potential, and provide them with the tools to succeed both on and off the field.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience, blending the best of the city’s beaches, food, nightlife, and outdoor adventures. San Diego has a unique energy—laid-back yet full of excitement, with something for everyone. Here’s how I would craft the perfect week-long itinerary to showcase the best of what the city has to offer.

We’d kick off the trip on Monday with a full beach day at Mission Beach. We’d start by heading to the beachside BBQ area, setting up for a fun and relaxed day. After grilling some great food, we’d hit the basketball court or play volleyball right on the sand—perfect for soaking in the sun and enjoying some friendly competition. Once the day is up, we’d head back home and have a poker night with some of the guys in my Fraternity.

On Tuesday, we’d switch things up with some spikeball on the beach in Pacific Beach (PB), followed by a trip to La Playa Taco Shop for some of the best Mexican food in the area. After enjoying tacos and burritos, we’d stroll around PB, checking out the local shops and maybe even grabbing an ice cream at Baked Bear before heading back to the beach for some more games.

Wednesday would be all about the outdoors, so we’d go on a hike at Torrey Pines, where the views are incredible, and the trails are perfect for a good adventure. After the hike, we’d enjoy a laid-back lunch at Shorehouse Kitchen and relax at La Jolla Shores. We could even explore La Jolla Cove, where we might see some sea lions and enjoy the coastal views before grabbing a bite to eat at Pizza on Pearl.

On Thursday, the night would be all about the PB bar scene. We’d start at Hideaway for college night. After that, we’d hop between bars in PB, with a final stop at Open Bar, which gives off a solid dive bar vibe.

Friday would be another bar-hopping night, starting with dinner at Sushi Factory or Kogi’s KBBQ, depending on whether we’re in the mood for sushi or Korean BBQ. Either way, it would be a perfect way to fuel up for the night ahead. After dinner, we’d hit Open Bar again, then head over to Local for more drinks and a fun atmosphere before closing out the night.

On Saturday, we’d make our way to Firehouse, one of the best spots for a night out in PB, before heading back to Open Bar or Hideaway for some late-night fun.

Sunday would be our last day, and we’d keep it chill with another beach day before heading to Sunset Cliffs to watch the breathtaking sunset. It’d be the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable week in San Diego, with great memories and even better stories to tell.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, who have been the foundation of my journey as an entrepreneur. My mom, a former business owner of Rebel Jeans in Peru, and my dad, the owner of Escobar Ornamental Iron, both instilled in me the values and skills that have shaped my approach to business and life.

From my mom, I learned the importance of building genuine relationships with clients—going beyond just providing a service. She showed me the value of going the extra mile—whether it’s helping players find new clubs, editing highlight videos, or giving honest feedback that truly helps them grow.

From my dad, I learned the fundamentals of business and finance—how to manage money, set up my LLC, and strategically position myself against competitors. He also taught me how to create and add value to my services, ensuring that what I offer stands out in a competitive market.

Above all, both of my parents taught me two critical lessons:

1. Be a good and honest person. Never lie to clients, be upfront about my services and limitations, and always own up to my mistakes. Honesty and integrity build long-term trust.

2. Stay disciplined and give 100% effort. No matter the outcome, I should commit fully to my ideas and projects. Even if something doesn’t turn out the way I envisioned, I’ll never know unless I take that chance.

Without their guidance, I might have given up during tough times—when business was slow, or when it felt like my competitors were too far ahead. They were my support system when I couldn’t support myself, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Website: https://mrefc.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mre_fc