Huge Signing: Matthew Hatch Returns to the Coast with CCU
Central Coast United is proud to announce the signing of local star Matthew Hatch in what is one of the biggest signings in the club’s history.
Hatch, a Central Coast junior, has competed at the highest levels of football in Australia — representing the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Men’s competition and competing in NPL NSW’s top tier. Now, he returns home to wear the black and gold of CCU.
Matthew Hatch on joining CCU:
"Being a local lad, having a club that represents our area in the FNSW professional leagues is massive. They had a tough season last year and don’t deserve to be where they are, but I would love to help contribute to turning that around.
It’s an exciting young squad full of quality and hopefully I can add to that, and pass on some of my experiences to help them develop. Promotion is definitely a focus for me, as the club deserves to be playing at as high a level as possible and I believe this group can do it. I can’t wait to get started!"
General Manager Matthew Crowell on the signing:
"It’s a huge signing for us. Matt has reached the pinnacle of football in this country, and now he’s coming back to give back to the next generation of Central Coast players. That’s an incredible example for our young squad.
When I spoke with him, I was upfront about where we’re at and where we want to go. Our project is simple: to give players from the Coast the chance to play at the highest level possible. That will never change for us — it’s who we are. Around 70–75% of our first-grade squad for the 2026 season have come through our own youth teams, and many of our former players are now part of the Central Coast Mariners Academy squads.
Our current squad is young and needs leadership, quality, and experience — and that’s exactly what Matt will bring to the group. It takes someone special to buy into that vision, and Matt was all-in from the start. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on board."
About Matthew Hatch
Hatch has played 23 times in the A-League, representing the Mariners and Perth Glory at the top level of Australian football. He also spent time in the NPL NSW First Grade competition with both Sydney United and Marconi Stallions.
Known for his pace and quality left foot, Hatch adds both attacking threat and top-flight experience to CCU’s young squad. The club, as you can imagine, is thrilled to have a player of his calibre join the ranks.