This London Football Team Is Turning Unknown Players into NFL Stars—Discover Their Secret Now!

While London is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, American football isn't typically at the forefront of its sporting landscape. Yet, in South London, the London Warriors are making waves in a sport that remains a minority in England. This amateur team has not only clinched seven national titles—known as BritBowls—the most of any British team but has also emerged as a significant breeding ground for talent over the past two decades. Players and coaches from the Warriors have made their mark in the United States, with notable alumni such as Efe Obada breaking into the NFL.

But for the Warriors, the limelight is not the ultimate goal. “We try to keep to that core of what we are trying to do, which is helping kids from bad situations,” explains Simon Buckett, the team’s general manager. Founded as a charity in 2005, the Warriors started as a junior team and have since expanded to include both men’s and women’s senior teams along with youth teams catering to ages 7 through 19.

In conversations with former coach Aden Durde, now the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, and former players like British television presenter Vernon Kay, it becomes clear that the Warriors symbolize the heart of grassroots football in the UK. The club aims to maintain “professional standards” despite its amateur status.

A Pathway to Professionalism

Durde, who started coaching at the Warriors in 2011, reflects on the similarities between coaching in London and the NFL. “A lot of the things I used at the Warriors to coach players, I still use now,” he states. “Football-wise, there’s a huge difference. It’s literally like night and day. But the person and the people that you’re coaching and their needs and how you connect with them, they’re really the same thing.”

Many of the players had little to no exposure to American football prior to joining the Warriors. “A lot of kids didn’t even know what American football was. They were financially limited in many areas of their lives,” Durde recalls. His coaching philosophy focuses on instilling structure and responsibility in these young athletes, which is as critical in the NFL as it is at the grassroots level. “The special things are the same when you have a really good team at any level. It was the connection, it was the brotherhood,” Durde emphasizes.

For Kay, who found a renewed passion for the sport at 36, the Warriors changed his life. After making a documentary in 2010, he began training with the team under the guidance of head coach Tony Allen. “I got addicted to actually learning American football—learning about scheming and defense. We weren’t just playing it; we were in it. We were all invested,” he shares. Kay praises Allen’s commitment to maintaining professional standards, stating, “Tony wants to achieve professional levels. We play part-time football to a professional standard.”

The Warriors’ youth program has seen astounding success, with over 20 players advancing to the NFL Academy, and more than 24 former players having played professionally in Europe and Canada. Among the young talents is Peter Clarke, who transitioned from London’s youth leagues to play for the Temple Owls in the U.S. Clarke caught two touchdowns in the previous season, crediting the Warriors for making him believe he could pursue a career in football. “The London Warriors took my flag understanding, my initial love, and made me believe I could make a career out of this,” he says.

The story of Efe Obada serves as a shining example of the Warriors' impact. Once trafficked to London and living in foster care, Obada discovered the Warriors at 22 while working as a security guard. He became the first player from the NFL’s International Player Pathway to make a 53-man roster, showcasing how the Warriors can transform lives. “The Warriors saved my life,” Obada stated in a past interview. His recent accolade, the Prince Philip Award for outstanding contributions to youth work, underscores his commitment to helping the next generation.

For many involved, including Kevin Keohane, who has been with the Warriors for six years, the club has been a source of personal growth and community. Keohane now coaches the Great Britain national team while balancing a full-time corporate career. He emphasizes the multicultural aspect of the Warriors, stating, “You have to get along with people from all walks of life. This is one of the few sports that really does that.”

In reflecting on his journey, Buckett notes the profound impact the Warriors have had on their players. “My fondest memories are when you see a kid that’s on the field playing that came from nothing. The most famous one is probably Efe, but there are dozens and dozens of kids that you don’t know because they’re working in the city or somewhere that’s not the NFL, but without the Warriors, they wouldn’t have been where they are today,” he says.

The London Warriors are more than just a football team; they are a lifeline for many young people in South London. As they continue to break barriers and foster talent, they embody the spirit of resilience and community in a sport often overlooked in the UK.