Recruited from the U 21s of Mouscron, he wore the Hurlus jersey 5 times in D1B before the club went bankrupt. After a half-season stint at Mandel United, he joined the Merles. A place where destiny has given him an appointment. During the Namur-OHL B match, a delegation of American coaches was present with the intention of viewing an element from Leuven. They fell under the spell of Matis Laloux's play in half an hour, a period of time during which the midfielder remained on the pitch before leaving, injured.
“The next day, I was contacted by a specialized agency to put European players and American universities in contact. Bryant University T2 was interested in my profile, reveals the person concerned. Their soccer team had just been crowned champion in university D1 and their coach was named coach of the year.”.
The Namur player admits to having hesitated at first. “I wanted to inform myself before taking a position”.
Matis Laloux was not disappointed. “It's a difficult offer to refuse. I will receive a scholarship that covers housing, food, social insurance and many other benefits. I only have to pay for my plane ticket, he reveals. JI also saw match videos and was pleasantly surprised by the level. It is equivalent to that at the top of the Belgian Nationale 1. Other sporting elements also influenced his choice”.
The two coaches are Spanish and advocate a technical game on the ground. Exactly the style appreciated by Matis Laloux. “The offer is valid for 5 months from August to December. With the possibility of going pro in January if I progress enough”enthuses our interlocutor.
Training begins again on August 4 and the championship on August 26. Training every day with two matches per week. After weighing the pros and cons, Matis Laloux agreed to take on the challenge.
“Whatever happens, I'm a winnerestimates this one. The experience is exceptional and these five months can change my life. I am a competitor and very determined to take on the challenge”.
This American interest also reflects positively on UR Namur at the end of a superb season which made the club known and respected throughout Belgium. With Matis Laloux, number 156 is preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
