Testimonials

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Since joining the Croydon Cougars team, my son has grown in ways I could have only hoped for. Physically, he is stronger, more coordinated, motivated  and more disciplined. Academically,  I watched him become more focused, more organised, and more motivated to push himself both in and out of the classroom. He is currently studying for his A levels, he is doing well . 

The most incredible change has been in his self-esteem and confidence. He carries himself differently now,  with pride, purpose, and a belief in his own potential, which is sensational to witness.

So much of this progress is a direct reflection of his Coach’s dedication and hard work. His coach has not only taught him the game but has instilled values, encouraged growth, and created an environment where he feels supported and challenged. I am truly grateful for the patience, guidance, and passion that have helped shape my son into the young man he is becoming.

Thank you, Coach, for seeing his potential and helping him see it too.

I have been affiliated with the club since 2015 when I joined DA Firm to play recreational basketball. My time at the club, as it has grown into a dynamic basketball club known as Croydon Cougars is a club full of lessons to be learnt about discipline, perseverance, self -motivation, responsibility and teamwork. These life skills will not only take me through the journey of being a successful sportsman, but a successful adult in society as I grow up.

Our coaches have created a nurturing environment for all to feel safe, included and empowered irrespective of our strengths or weaknesses as a player and person. Our strengths are celebrated by all and our weaknesses are cherished - we are guided through to improve those weaknesses to eventually become strengths, that keep us motivated and proud of our achievements.

Croydon Cougars has not only improved me as a player through our two training sessions a week and league games over the weekend, but they also host basketball camps during the school holidays. Our coaches regularly arrange for us to go and watch professional basketball games and we also attend the yearly GloBasket competitions in Spain and recently we were also invited to attend a development camp in America.

Croydon Cougars is a club where we learn together, have fun together and grow together and in doing so we don’t only develop as an individual we develop as a team to bring success and victory home to ourselves and our club.

My 16-year-old son has been a proud member of Croydon Cougars for three years, and the positive transformation in his life has been truly remarkable. His time at the club has not only enhanced his physical fitness and athletic abilities but has also contributed significantly to his mental health and emotional wellbeing. The values of discipline, perseverance, and self-motivation instilled by the dedicated coaches have directly improved his approach to schooling; he is now more focused, responsible, and enthusiastic in his studies. 

The nurturing environment provided by Croydon Cougars offers a safe space for personal growth, empowering my son to flourish both on and off the court.

The coaches are exceptional and positive male role models that my son can genuinely look up to. Through their guidance, he has learned what it means to work hard, make good choices, and bring his best both on and off the court.

I am deeply grateful for the club’s unwavering support and commitment to youth development, and would wholeheartedly recommend Croydon Cougars to any parent seeking a space where their child can truly thrive.

 My son joined Croydon Cougars after being at the legendary Brixton Topcats. We had moved to a new area and had no idea what to expect. Instantly I was struck by how involved the coaches and parents were in the boys development. Head coach Paul made time to have a phone conversation with me and showed me ethos and heart of what the team is about. It was clear that cougars was more than a basketball team, it was community initiative took young boys and used a sport to implement the skills needed to navigate through adulthood. 

Basketball didn't come naturally to my son but it was made clear that his skill set was not what the coaches were looking for and not what they would be impressed by. The coaches wanted to see that my son developed on and off the court. Growth as a young man, student, son, friend and finally athlete were all equally important to the coaches. From there a synergy was created! My son was noticed for his commitment to himself and his journey despite not naturally being good at basketball. Being able to utilise the insight and experience of the head coach as a headteacher and educator has resulted in Joshua achieving fantastic GCSE results, being accepted to an exceptional Stem college, being awarded the prestigious Amos bursary scholarship and a place on the stem smart programme with Cambridge University. 

On the courts he has grown into a physically stronger, confident and poised young man. He has developed leadership skills that he may not have acquired without basketball. This was recognised by him being awarded the most improved player and the end of season awards in May 2025. Go Cougars 

 It’s my sons first season at cougars and I can honestly say the coach’s are amazing, they support and actually take time out for each individual child to track their progress. I’ve seen a drastic improvement with my sons Dante’s skills with basketball and just being driven and more motivated and empowered to do and push for better. 

Our experience with the club has been exceptional, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for everything the coaches have done for Phoenix. From the very start, they recognised his potential — not just as the player he is now, but the player he can become — and that belief has helped him recognise it in himself.

Like many young athletes, Phoenix has had moments of self-doubt, but the support, guidance and encouragement he has received here have been instrumental in building his confidence. The coaches have struck the perfect balance between pushing him to grow and reassuring him when needed, and it has made a huge difference to both his mindset and his development.

What truly sets this club apart is the family-like atmosphere. It’s a caring, supportive environment built on genuine mentorship, discipline and direction. The coaches lead by example and encourage the boys to be upstanding members of society, promoting good behaviour, strong values and accountability on and off the court.

Under their coaching, Phoenix has elevated his game tremendously. He has become a focused, determined player with his sights firmly set on a professional future — something that has been nurtured and strengthened by the environment the club has created.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued belief, time and dedication invested in him. Thank you for helping shape Phoenix into the player and young man he is becoming.