Meet the team

Lee 'Big Bear' Wenham

Hello! I’m Lee, the founder and co-owner of Big Bear Football Coaching. With years of experience in the sport, I currently hold positions at Maidstone United and various grassroots teams. I’m a UEFA C licensed football coach and a certified personal trainer, and I am in the process of completing my Level 4 Strength and Conditioning qualification to enhance the services we offer to our fantastic clients.

I established Big Bear with the vision of creating an inclusive environment where children of all ages, abilities, and disabilities can enjoy playing the beautiful game, all while keeping it affordable. We take great pride in this mission and prioritise the well-being of every participant, focusing on the collective experience rather than just those who may excel.

I am incredibly proud of the team that Brett and I have built, and I believe our clients share that sentiment.

Lynette Wenham

I am part of the Big Bear Team and primarily work behind the scenes! I assist with accounts and administration, ensuring that the children and parents who come to Big Bear are welcomed and made to feel comfortable from day one. Clear communication with parents is very important to us, and that’s where I contribute.

I have been involved in football for over 20 years, with a husband who played and now coaches, as well as two sons who are passionate about the game and both play and coach.

I truly enjoy watching the children thrive and come out of their shells. It’s incredibly exciting for both them and me to see their progress and to witness them learn something new each week!

I love what we do and am immensely proud of our team.

Brett Tomlin

Hi. I’m Brett, co-owner of Big Bear. With many years of experience both playing and coaching, I currently have the honour of managing an under 10’s team. My journey in football has deepened my skills and ignited a profound passion for coaching, which I am eager to share with others.

I hold a UEFA-C coaching license, which underscores my commitment to providing high-quality training and development for all players.

I was delighted to come on board with Lee in 2024 after realising how much our passion and ideas aligned. We are not just about football coaching, we are a community. I firmly believe in the power of inclusivity, where every individual, regardless of their skill level, is welcomed and encouraged.

Coaching, for me, is more than just teaching skills, it’s about shaping the experiences of grassroots football and laying the foundation for future success.

Becky Tomlin

I started coaching for my son’s grassroots team and enjoyed it so much, I wanted to do more. I am passionate about all abilities, genders and ages having access to the game. I have seen first-hand how hard it can be for even a young child to be selected for a football team, due to clubs asking for experience and a high level of skill/ability. I love that Big Bear can be the bridge between a love of football and the ability to play competitively. Football is for everyone!

My favourite thing about coaching at Big Bear is watching the progress the players make and seeing their little faces as they recognise this in themselves. I particularly enjoy developing players’ confidence. Being part of shaping the start of a child’s football journey is so rewarding.

Sadly, I didn’t have anyone to make me fall in love with the game as a child. As an adult, my child has made me fall in love with the game, and it is my privilege to help others do the same!

Football changed my son’s life. Due to autism, he struggles in social situations and would not engage in any form of communication with others. Football changed that – Well not just football, but the right coaching. He is now happy to play with and talk to anyone… as long as it’s football related!

Errol (Ez) Choli

Hi, my name is Errol (Ez) I have been coaching for last 20 years with all ages groups, currently with Maidstone 18s and have been involved in the set up for last 10 years, also previously with Blackheath and Maidstone district as well as a few development centres and a few other clubs along my coaching journey so far. I enjoy coaching all the age groups my main aim as a coach is to make each and every session fun and enjoyable and help improve each and every individual no matter what ability or level!

Cellan (Cell) Wenham

Hi, my name is Cellan Wenham (cell) I am a FA level 1 qualified coach currently playing for Kingshill FC in the Kent youth league as a left back. I also play for a post 16 scholarship team where I compete in the SCL premier division as a left sided centre back.

I am currently on my journey to play football out in the USA on a scholarship in 2025 to pursue my dream of football and a degree in sport management. My life is football and I love every that comes with it, especially being able to pass down my knowledge to the next generation of players and watch them grow and thrive in our beautiful game. My favourite team is Man United and my favourite player is Zidane.

Caiden Wenham

My name is Caiden, and I am the youngest member of the Wenham family. I play football within the Maidstone minor leagues and have a background in rugby with Maidstone. Additionally, I am a dedicated Muay Thai boxer, training several times each week.

Fitness is my passion, and I thoroughly enjoy assisting with the plyometric sessions we organise for the children and our one-on-one clients. I’m excited about pursuing my coaching qualifications in the years ahead.

Fin Cousins

I am very passionate about everything health, fitness and football. Currently captaining Soccer Elite, I’m really enjoying playing at a high level, scoring and assisting as an attacking midfielder. I take influence from Martin Odegaard, how he applies himself on and off the pitch.

I want to help players experience the game like I have, developing them both as players any people. Through the highs like when I captained my team to FA Youth Cup victories, and the lows like when I fractured my foot and became injured, I have learnt so much from the game, and believe I can positively influence others, in terms of advice, nutrition, recovery, training and most importantly their enjoyment.

Alongside my Football coaching badges, (First Aid, Playmaker, Respect for Coaches and Safeguarding) I’ve completed my Level 2 Gym Instructor Course as I want to pursue a career in the fitness industry. I have a fitness social media page (fincousins_coaching) and am excited to help people reach their full potential.

Akash Santhos

Hi, my name is Akash Santhosh. I play for Maidstone United and Kent County and I also do the Soccer Elite 6th form programme at Maplesden Noakes. My favourite sessions are the shooting, technical and passing drills and I enjoy coaching the boys and girls at big bear.

Jack (JT) Tucker

Hi my name is Jack Tucker (JT). I play for Hollands and Blair FC and do the Soccer Elite FA scholarship at Maplesden Noakes sixth form. I have previously played for other local teams like Bearsted FC. I love seeing players, no matter their ability, improve and enjoy their football. My favourite sessions to do are technical sessions. I support Liverpool and my favourite ever player is Philippe Coutinho.

Jack (Sheps) Shepherd

Hi, my name is Jack Shepherd (Sheps) I play for Maidstone United u18s and do the SEFA college programme. I am also a referee. I coach Maidstone United U13s. I like defensive training sessions and enjoy coaching both experienced and inexperienced young football players watching them improve every week. My favourite team is Chelsea and favourite player is Cole Palmer.

Ronnie Choli

Hi, my name is Ronnie (Ron). I play for Maidstone U18’s and U23’s. I am currently at Maplesden Noakes sixth form and doing double sports and business. I like passing drills and enjoy coaching, no matter the ability, as it is very enjoyable to do. My favourite team is Chelsea and my favourite player is Levi Colwill. I also really like going to watch random football games with my mates as my aim is to complete the 92.