Matthew Cross

Professional youth hockey coach that manages a hockey school which includes: a state-of-the-art 2,500 sq. Foot training facility complete with a skating treadmill and synthetic ice shooting range. With over 500 hours of programming each year, services include: weekly skill development classes, private 1:1 and small group training sessions, seasonal development camps, team training sessions, a Youth Development Program, (YDP) a Pre-School Showcase Event, a Summer Hockey League and the servicing of a local youth hockey organization with 13-teams called the Raleigh Raptors Hockey Club.

• Mentoring, coaching and supporting hundreds of hockey players that progress to playing junior, college and professional hockey
• Developing and executing marketing plans to ensure profit, growth and expansion of business
• Managing human resources including hiring, training, assigning, and directing work and monitoring performance of employees
• Developing and implementing on-ice & off-ice instruction and coaching
• Developing and implementing athletic mentorship, career counseling and leadership programs with youth hockey players and their families
• Social media & website development and management
• Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.

Coached youth hockey at the highest level for 8-years, primarily with the Toronto Red Wings 'AAA' organization in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Currently coaching with the Raleigh Raptors Hockey Club in Raleigh, NC. Areas of focus include:

• Mentoring and coaching hundreds of hockey players, that progress to play junior, college and professional hockey
• Promoting leadership, sportsmanship, personal responsibility
• Provide professional individual, team training and small-group skill development
• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with players, parents and families in the community.
• Conducted daily sessions in strength training, technique drills and motivational tactics.

Executive Director & Chairman of a non-profit, charitable organization with the mission of raising awareness & education about testicular cancer & men's health, while directly supporting cancer patients, caregivers and survivors.

• Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
• Built relationships with donors, health care institution executives and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
• Formulated and implemented marketing strategies to expand our brand and mission reach in the community
• Planned, strategized and delivered multiple yearly fundraisers including

Highlights Include:

• Fundraising over $400,000 since Jan. 2021
• Directly supporting cancer patients via over $65,000 in financial grants
• Donating $20,000 to Duke Cancer Institute to support men with cancer
• Serving as a cancer life-coach to men that have recently been diagnosed with Testicular Cancer
• Raising education & awareness about men's mental & physical health - Includes $35,000 spent on this initiative
• Providing community leadership through meaningful philanthropic initiatives