I think the way matchmaking works in clubs is bugged.
Right now, I believe matchmaking is determined almost exclusively based on skill rating and not at all based on division. My club got a very high skill rating after going undefeated in the elite division playoffs last season. But this season, because our skill rating is so high, we cannot progress out of division 3 due to playing other high ranked teams every game. Whereas last season, we made it to elite no problem because our skill rating was still low as it was a new club.
I think match making should be based exclusively off of what division you are in. For example, clubs in Division 4 match other clubs in Division 4, clubs in Division 2 match other clubs in Division 2, clubs in elite division match other clubs in elite division, and so on.
Once your clubs hits elite division, then you should be assigned a skill rating and match making in the elite division should be based off of this skill rating. This would replicate how it works in ultimate team division rivals.