Matthew Franco

Matthew Franco is the Co-Founder of VIA Academy and the VIA Foundation. A lifelong hockey player, he learned early the value of teamwork, discipline, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

After graduating from Notre Dame High School, Matthew enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, beginning a career centered around service. He later became a Connecticut State Trooper, returned to military service with the U.S. Army, and ultimately joined the Yale University Police Department, where he was assigned full-time to the New Haven Police Activity League (PAL).

At PAL, Matthew built youth wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing programs from the ground up. Working directly with young people showed him firsthand how the right environment, combined with martial arts, mentorship, discipline, and positive role models, can change the trajectory of a child's life.

That experience became a driving force behind VIA, creating a place where kids and adults can develop confidence, discipline, resilience, and a sense of belonging through martial arts and community.

Outside of VIA, Matthew is a father of two and an Ironman finisher.