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!