Matti Oivanen was born on 26 May 1986 in Huittinen, Finland, the same day as his brother Mikko Oivanen. He began his volleyball career with his brother, playing for Kiikoisten Kirma. During this time, the pair was selected by coaches for the Finland youth national volleyball team. They moved to Kuortane, Finland, to attend high school, where they trained with the national team until graduation. Oivanen and his brother also played with Vammalan Lentopallo during their last years of high school, until they graduated in 2004.
Raision Loimu
After leaving Kuortane in 2004, Oivanen signed a contract with the Raision Loimu team, which plays in the Finland volleyball league. While there, he helped the team achieve fourth place in the league championship. During his second season, he helped the team make it to the finals, where they lost to Napapiirin Palloketut.
Pielaveden Sampo
After two seasons with Loimu, Oivanen left the team and signed with Pielaveden Sampo. His brother signed with Rovaniemen Santasport, marking the first time the two had separated since they started playing volleyball years earlier. Oivanen helped Sampo win the Finland Cup Championship, while they lost the Finland league championship. During his second season with the team, he led them to the Finland Cup Championship, but lost in the finals to Santasport.
