London Warriors: Transforming Lives and Cultivating NFL Talent

The London Warriors, based in south London, have been shaking things up in a sport that’s still pretty niche in England. With seven national titles—BritBowls, if you’re counting—they’re not just about stacking up wins.

For a lot of young people from tough backgrounds, the Warriors offer something bigger than football. They’ve become a real source of hope, opening doors to opportunities on and off the field.

This blog post dives into the London Warriors’ story, their influence in the community, and some of the standout names who’ve come through the club.

The Rise of the London Warriors

The Warriors kicked off in 2005 as a junior team. Since then, they’ve grown like crazy.

Now, they’ve got men’s and women’s senior squads, plus youth teams for kids as young as seven up to nineteen. The club runs as a charity, aiming to support kids facing tough circumstances.

General Manager Simon Buckett puts it simply: the Warriors want to give structure and responsibility, helping players build better futures.

A Breeding Ground for Talent

The Warriors have turned into a hotbed for talent. Players and coaches have gone on to big things in the United States.

Two former players even made it to the NFL. Efe Obada, for example, played 80 games in the league between 2018 and 2024.

The club pushes for professional standards—even though it’s all technically amateur. Maybe that’s part of why they’ve done so well.

From the Warriors to the NFL

Aden Durde, now the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, actually started coaching at the Warriors back in 2011. He’d been convinced by current head coach Tony Allen to jump in and coach linebackers.

Durde quickly noticed that coaching, no matter the level, had some universal qualities. “The special traits were just like a good group of people trying to commit and do something that they wanted to do,” he remembers.

Impact on Players’ Lives

For plenty of players, the Warriors have turned things around. Vernon Kay—yeah, the TV and radio guy—fell back in love with American football through the club.

“I got addicted to actually learning American football—learning about scheming and defense,” Kay says. He played four years and managed to win back-to-back BritBowls before hanging up his helmet.

Success Stories and Community Impact

Peter Clarke, now a junior at Temple University, started out with the Warriors. The club took his early passion for the game and helped him see a real future in it.

Over 20 youth players have made it into the NFL Academy. More than 24 former Warriors have played professionally in Europe and Canada, and over 25 have gone on to play at American high schools and colleges.

Notable Alumni

• Efe Obada: Played 80 games in the NFL, now helping the next generation.
• Seydou Traore: Featured on the Netflix documentary SEC Football: Any Given Saturday.
• Sam Fenton: The first British quarterback to go to a Division I college.

The Warriors’ Broader Influence

The Warriors have left a real mark on their community. Kevin Keohane, who spent six years with the team, calls them “brothers in arms” who push you to be better at everything, not just football.

It’s a melting pot—people from all backgrounds coming together, finding a sense of unity and respect. That’s not always easy to find in London.

Coaching and Development

Coaches and players often juggle volunteering with other jobs. Their commitment shows—over 95 Warriors have represented Great Britain.

Simon Buckett has seen kids escape gangs and rough situations, finding a safe haven with the Warriors. “My fondest memories are when you see a kid that’s on the field playing that came from nothing,” Buckett says.