The Big Bear Presentation Day 2026 | Football coaching for boys and girls aged 4-16 based in Maidstone, Kent

On Saturday 13th June, we came together to celebrate a truly special milestone in the Big Bear journey, our first-ever Big Bear FC Presentation Day.

What started as a football coaching programme built around development, enjoyment and creating positive experiences for young players has continued to grow beyond anything we could have imagined. This season marked the launch of our first Big Bear FC teams, and seeing everyone together to celebrate their achievements was a proud moment for everyone involved.

This year, our Under 7s, Under 9s and Under 11s JPL teams have represented Big Bear brilliantly. More importantly, they have done so while embracing the values that sit at the heart of everything we do: working hard, supporting each other, showing respect, and always looking to improve.

Alongside celebrating the achievements of our players and teams, we were also proud to present the inaugural Ernie Wenham Award, recognising those whose dedication behind the scenes helps make Big Bear what it is today.

A huge thank you

Every player should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved this season. Whether it was learning new skills, building confidence, making new friends, overcoming challenges, or simply developing a greater love for the game, the progress across all three teams has been fantastic to see.

A huge thank you goes to our team coaches who have dedicated countless hours to helping our players grow throughout the season:

Under 7s – Carl and Andy
Under 9s – Stuart and Mark
Under 11s JPL – Dan and Paul

We would also like to thank every Big Bear coach, volunteer and family member who contributes to the wider programme. From our 1-to-1 sessions and Goalkeeper School to Saturday Football School and everything in between, Big Bear simply wouldn’t be what it is without the people who give their time, energy and support every week.

A special thank you must also go to all of our parents and families. Whether it’s early starts on a Saturday morning, travelling to matches, standing on the sidelines in all weathers, or encouraging players through the highs and lows of the season, your support is invaluable. The positive environment we’ve built at Big Bear is only possible because of the commitment and encouragement shown by our families week after week.

Special Award Winners

While every player should be proud of their efforts throughout the season, the Big Bear Presentation Event also provided an opportunity to recognise those who received special team awards.

These awards celebrate the qualities that help make a successful team, from commitment and determination to sportsmanship, development and performance. Throughout the season, these players have consistently demonstrated the values that Big Bear strives to encourage in every player, both on and off the pitch.

The Manager’s Player awards recognise those who have impressed their coaches with their attitude, effort and contribution to the team across the entire season. The Most Improved Player award highlights the dedication and hard work required to develop as a footballer, while the Top Goalscorer awards recognise players who have made a significant impact in front of goal and contributed greatly to their team’s success.

The standard of football, commitment and development shown across all age groups this season has been fantastic, making these awards particularly well earned. Congratulations to all of our award winners and to every player who has represented Big Bear with pride throughout the year.

Under 7s

Manager’s Player: John
Most Improved Player: Arthur M

Under 9s

Manager’s Player: Oliver
Top Goalscorer: Jaydon

Under 11s JPL

Manager’s Player: Freddie
Top Goalscorer: Joe

The Ernie Wenham Award

This year, we were also proud to present a very special award, The Ernie Wenham Award.

Named in memory of Lee’s late father, Ernie, who sadly passed away a few years ago, this award holds a special place within Big Bear. Ernie’s belief, encouragement and support helped shape the person and coach Lee has become, and following his passing, it was that determination and drive that inspired Lee to take the leap and start Big Bear Football Coaching.

The award is designed to recognise individuals who go above and beyond for Big Bear, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to help the organisation grow and provide the best possible experience for players and families.

This year’s recipients

This year’s recipients were John and Sarah from The Hideout, in recognition of the incredible support they have given Big Bear. From helping create and manage our website, producing content for social media, designing advertising materials, supporting marketing campaigns and helping shape the Big Bear brand, they have played a huge role in ensuring the club looks professional, welcoming and ambitious as it continues to grow.

While players and coaches are often the most visible part of a football club, there are many people working tirelessly in the background who help make everything possible. John and Sarah, through their work at The Hideout and their ongoing support of Big Bear, are a perfect example of that.

We are incredibly grateful for everything they continue to do and were delighted to recognise their contribution with the first-ever Ernie Wenham Award.

A Special Thank You

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Maidstone United Football Club and everyone at The Gallagher Stadium for allowing us to host our Presentation Day at such a fantastic venue.

For many of our players and families, celebrating their achievements in a professional football stadium made the day even more memorable and special. It provided the perfect setting to recognise the hard work, commitment and progress shown by all of our teams throughout the season.

A new chapter at Maidstone United

The occasion also carried extra significance for Big Bear founder Lee, who will begin a new chapter next season as Manager of Maidstone United’s Under 23s side. Having the opportunity to celebrate Big Bear’s achievements at a club that has played such an important role in his coaching journey made the day even more meaningful.

We are incredibly grateful to Maidstone United for their support and for helping create such a memorable experience for our players and families.

Looking Ahead

This presentation day was not only a chance to celebrate the season just gone, but also an opportunity to reflect on how far Big Bear has come. From our first coaching sessions to now preparing for an incredible September with 15 teams representing Big Bear, the growth has been remarkable. However, while the numbers continue to increase, our focus remains exactly the same.

We will continue to develop players in the right way. We will continue to create positive football experiences. We will continue to challenge players to improve while ensuring they enjoy every step of their journey. The future is exciting, but what makes us most proud is seeing so many young players developing under the Big Bear ethos every single week.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. We’re only just getting started.

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The Big Bear Goalkeeper School

On Saturday 13th June, we came together to celebrate a truly special milestone in the Big Bear journey, our first-ever Big Bear FC Presentation Day.

A huge thank you

Special Award Winners

Under 7s

Under 9s

Under 11s JPL

The Ernie Wenham Award

This year’s recipients

A Special Thank You

A new chapter at Maidstone United

Looking Ahead

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