Champs FC Battersea | Kids Football Club in Battersea (Ages 6

About us,

My name is Yannick Kamanan and as a football enthusiast since the age of 3 and a former professional with Tottenham Hotspur F.C., I have witnessed the beauty and the cruelty of this sport throughout my 17-year career. Football evolves every year, and with it, the competition grows fiercer. A single misstep, a wrong decision, or a moment of doubt can change everything in an instant.

Countless talented and passionate young players have seen their dreams shattered by a few setbacks. It is also, unfortunately, well-known that some professional players, despite being in a great position, end up with broken careers or financial ruin due to poor support and guidance.

This is why the saying, "Football is certainly a physical sport, but it's mostly 70% mental," must be taken seriously. The mental aspect of the game is crucial, and recognizing its importance can make all the difference.

My inspiration to create a nurturing and high-quality football environment came from my daughter, Perle. When she was 7, she expressed her desire to play football just like her dad but couldn't find a club that met her needs. She asked me seriously to do something about it, not just for her but for all her teammates and friends at school. Her passion ignited a fire in me to share my love for football and education with young athletes.

The joy and emotion I experience when I see the progress of these kids is priceless. As a former professional, my goal is to use my experience to help every player, regardless of their level, to reach their maximum potential. I understand the significance of the obstacles that footballers face, and I am committed to guiding them through these challenges, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed both on and off the field.

Know our People

Yannick Kamanan

Born 05/10/1981, is a former player for Tottenham Hotspur F.C. As the founder of Champs FC, he is passionate about developing young talent and instilling a love for the game in the next generation.
Amadou Tangara

Born 22/04/1997 is the dedicated goalkeeper coach and a player for Croydon FC. With a passion for mentoring young talents, he brings his expertise and experience to develop the next generation of exceptional goalkeepers.
Rheo Josephs

Born 18/07/1995, is the dedicated coach for the U12 team and a former football player for Nässjö FF in Sweden. Passionate about giving back to his community, he has created an academy to help kids in his neighborhood thrive through the sport of football.
Bla Konhegnan Durand

Born 25/06/2004, Durand is a passionate football enthusiast and the U11 first coach at Champs FC. He brings international experience from several countries, having previously worked with SO Bouaflé in the Ivorian Ligue 2, as well as gaining experience in Morocco and Belarus before settling in England. Today, he brings this diverse football background to his U11 team, with a strong focus on developing, supporting and inspiring young players.
Nathan Josephs

Born 08/07/2001, is the first coach for the U10 team. His dedication and passion for coaching young players help nurture their skills and love for the game from an early age.
Olivier Baixas

Born 2/12/1975 is U10 assistant coach at Champs FC. A French native with a lifelong passion for football, Olivier brings years of experience both playing and coaching. Known for his patience and skill with young players, he focuses on teaching solid techniques and instilling a love for the game from the very start.
Olivier’s innovative methods and attention to detail ensure our U9s are building the perfect foundation to thrive on the pitch.
Sam

is the dedicated U9 first coach and a passionate of football Champs FC. With a rich background as a former semi professional player, Sam brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our team.
Yvann

In progress - Assistant U9 Coach
Isaiah

In progress - U8 coach
Mohamed Cisse

FA Agent Intermediate
Trained at AC Ajaccio (France) and En Avant de Guingamp, Mohamed played for PFC and VAFC Valenciennes (N2). He then spent three years with Sakaryaspor (Turkey, League 2) before moving to CRUFC Calais (N3), where he helped the team win the championship. Now, Mohamed brings his extensive experience and passion for football to The Agency, dedicated to guiding and supporting our players to achieve their full potential.
Mélodie Martini

Secretary Assistant
Olivia Tieffi Sagna

Secretary
Monica Sanmartin

Born 21/11/1984, is the Social Media and Communication Manager. With a solid background in law, finance, and digital services, Monica has been specializing in branding and communication since 2019. Her expertise ensures that Champs FC’s online presence and messaging are professional, engaging, and impactful, building a strong connection with the club’s growing community.