One to Watch, Matas Jokubaitis
From Dev Squad Sessions to the Professional Game in Sweden
At CC Football Dev Squad, the goal is to create an environment where ambitious players can challenge themselves, sharpen their game, and prepare for the next level of football.
One player who embodies that pathway is Matas Jokubaitis, a commanding young centre back who continues to build his professional career in Sweden with Grebbestads IF.
Standing at 6’5 (196 cm), Matas combines physical presence with strong tactical understanding and composure on the ball, qualities that have helped him progress through several high-level development environments on his journey into the professional game.
Matas’ Football Journey
Born in 2007, Matas has consistently competed in strong development environments throughout his career.
His development includes time within the Vancouver Whitecaps FC MLS Residency Program, one of the top academy systems in Canada. During that time he also trained with Whitecaps FC 2, gaining exposure to professional-level training environments and higher levels of competition.
Matas later signed a professional development contract with Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, an important step that placed him directly within a professional club environment while continuing his development.
Looking to gain valuable senior experience, Matas made the move to Sweden, where he played with Kiruna FF in Sweden’s Division 2 where he played every available minute, before continuing his career with Grebbestads IF, competing in one of Europe’s most competitive football development ecosystems.
At just 19 years old, Matas has already gained exposure to multiple high-level environments that continue to shape him into a modern centre back.
Development with CC Football Dev Squad
During his time back home in Edmonton, CC Football Dev Squad has played an important role in helping Matas maintain his sharpness and continue developing during offseason periods.
The Dev Squad environment brings together young players chasing professional opportunities alongside experienced players returning home during their offseason, creating a competitive and demanding training setting.
For Matas, these sessions provide an opportunity to stay at a high level physically and mentally while continuing to work on the details of his game.
Working closely with coaches Chance Carter and Marcus Velado, Matas has continued refining important aspects of his play, including positional awareness, decision-making under pressure, and leadership within the defensive line.
Training in this kind of environment ensures that players like Matas can return to their professional clubs ready to perform.
Player Profile
Matas Jokubaitis is a modern centre back with strong physical and tactical attributes.
Standing at 6’5, he naturally dominates aerial situations while bringing composure and intelligence to the backline.
His strengths include:
* Strong aerial ability in both defensive and attacking situations
* Tactical awareness and strong positioning
* Calm decision-making under pressure
* Ability to organize and communicate within the defensive line
* Accurate distribution and passing out from the back
His leadership, discipline, and work ethic continue to make him a valuable presence in any defensive unit.
Quick Questions with Matas Jokubaitis
1. You’ve played in several strong environments already, including the Vancouver Whitecaps residency program, Cavalry FC, and now Sweden. What have those different experiences taught you about the game and your development as a defender?
What I have learned from playing in these different environments is that consistency off the pitch is just as important as on the pitch. Things such as nutrition, sleep, recovery, and overall professionalism is what helps you perform to the best of your ability.
2. After spending time playing in Sweden, how important has it been for you to have an environment like CC Football Dev Squad back home in Edmonton during the offseason to stay sharp and continue training at a high level?
Dev Squad really helped me with staying fit during the offseason. Since Sweden has quite a long offseason, it was important for me to stay sharp during this time alongside other high level and motivated players.
3. What has your experience been like working with coaches like Chance and Marcus at Dev Squad, and how have they helped you develop different parts of your game?
I think that the coaches at Dev Squad are a really great part of the program. They know exactly what it’s like to be a footballer and what it takes to reach a high level, and their dedication to the program made it very enjoyable to come in and put in work during the offseason.
4. For younger players in Edmonton who want to reach opportunities like playing professionally or going overseas, what would you say about the importance of training in environments like Dev Squad?
For younger players, I think that the dev squad environment brings a different aspect of training than just regular club training. It really focuses on individual development and the attention to detail from the coaches helps you really realize your strengths and weaknesses.
5. Who are some defenders you look up to or try to model parts of your game after?
Some defenders that I look up to would be Gabriel Magalhaes. I like his passionate playstyle and ability to score goals. Also Josko Gvardiol and his composure on the ball and versatility all over the pitch.
6. Looking towards the future, what are your goals for the next few years in football?
A goal for the future would definitely be to earn a call up to my national team.
Looking Ahead
Matas Jokubaitis’ journey is still just starting.
With experience in top Canadian academy environments, the Canadian Premier League system, and now European football in Sweden, he continues to gain valuable experience as he develops into a complete defender.
At CC Football, we’re proud to see players like Matas continue progressing and representing the work being done within the Dev Squad environment.
Matas Jokubaitis is definitely one to watch.
