Tarik Elleklifi - Head Coach
I've been passionate about football since I was 8 years old, when I became a lifelong Liverpool supporter dreaming of Anfield glory. Born in Bath, Somerset, I discovered early on that while I loved playing the game, I was even better at teaching it to others.
My coaching journey began at 14 when I started learning the Coerver training philosophy, which laid the foundation for my approach to developing young talent. I furthered my knowledge by earning a sports science degree from Surrey, combining my love for the game with a deep understanding of the technical and tactical elements that make great players.
I've been coaching with the Eagles for 12 years now, and it's been incredible to watch so many young players develop their skills and passion for football. The club has become like a second family to me, and I love being part of each player's journey.
Outside of coaching, I work as a youth mentor for Westminster Council and volunteer with a charity in Kensington and Chelsea, supporting young people in our community. I'm also passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoy playing football with my friends whenever I can—I believe staying active in different sports helps me bring fresh perspectives to my coaching.
At home, I'm kept busy by my four children, who definitely keep me on my toes and remind me daily that coaching a football team might actually be easier than managing a household! Whether I'm working with the Eagles or mentoring young people in the community, I bring that Liverpool passion and try to instill the same love for the game and personal development that has shaped my own journey.
Terry Whitman - Lead and Assistant Coach
I started playing football at the age of 6 and began my coaching journey around 16–17, volunteering with London Tigers as an assistant to Coach Tarik. I’ve been part of the Eagles family for 11–12 years, developing a passion for helping young players grow both on and off the pitch.
Outside of coaching with the Eagles, I work as a Cluster Manager of two health clubs with spas, overseeing daily operations, staff management, budgeting, membership growth, and ensuring the clubs provide high-quality fitness and wellness experiences. I also work as a youth worker, collaborating with Tarik to mentor and support young people in the community through programs that build confidence, life skills, and engagement in positive activities. On top of that, I run my own small business, which allows me to explore entrepreneurial ventures and further develop my leadership skills.
I love spending time with my family and have three children: one boy (4 years old) and two girls (18 months and 6 months). I was born in Westminster, London, and my family is originally from Cork City, Ireland. In my spare time, I enjoy having family time and playing football at a semi-professional level. I support Chelsea, though I’ve enjoyed watching Barcelona over the seasons—if the two ever played each other, let’s just say I’d be wearing blue and yelling at the TV with extra passion.
I’m still young at heart and love engaging with the kids at their level—sometimes laughing more than coaching—but always pushing them to grow, have fun, learn discipline, and maybe even beat me someday!
Kris Parker - Lead and Assistant Coach
I started my football journey a bit differently than most - I didn't begin playing organized football until I was 16, going straight into Men’s Football in the Middlesex County League and Sunday League - having only played park and school football with friends before that. That said, I was selected to represent the County at Wembley Stadium before I was 18 years old!
My passion for the game and aspirations to teach led me to start coaching at just 14 years old, volunteering to coach Year 7 students (11-year-olds) at my school while I was still learning the game myself.
I've been coaching with Eagles since 2022, working with both girls' and boys' teams throughout that time. As an experienced qualified teacher and a lifelong Queens Park Rangers supporter, I bring that local football passion and 20 years of teaching experience into everything I do with the club.
Outside of coaching, I work in a range of school and community settings and stay busy with several projects. I'm the founder of KCS Carnival Mas Band, a community organisation who deliver Carnival Arts workshops, teach local and global history whilst creating carnival masquerade costumes to participate in the Notting Hill Carnival Children’s Day parade and other events. I also run Home Café and Kitchen, a cafe and events space @549 Harrow Road that is due to open imminently.
I have two daughters, ages 8 and 9, who are keen Eagles supporters and love watching the game. My coaching philosophy has been shaped by my own experiences of starting the game ‘later’ and being an experienced educator - I believe it's never too early or too late to fall in love with football and the lessons learned in the game are invaluable for personal growth and development.
Osman Khan - Lead and Assistant Coach
I came to football later than most, only starting at 14 years old—but once I found the game, I was hooked. That late start turned into a lifelong passion for coaching, which I began at 18. Nearly 19 years on, I’m still just as excited to help players grow and enjoy the game.
I’ve been coaching with the Eagles for around 2.5 years, and being part of this club feels like being part of a family. The energy, commitment, and joy the players bring every week match my own love for football, and I take pride in helping each of them unlock their potential—no matter when they started playing.
Beyond coaching, I bring over 15 years of experience as a teacher and behaviour manager, where I learned how to support, motivate, and connect with young people in different ways. More recently, I’ve moved into project management and facilitation, skills that sharpen my organisation and teamwork—qualities I bring onto the pitch. I’m also a personal trainer, so fitness, conditioning, and helping people push their physical and mental boundaries are a natural part of my coaching style.
I was born in London and come from a proudly mixed background—Filipino, Pakistani, and Moroccan. The Eagles kids all think I’m Mexican, and I find it hilarious—so I just go along with it! That mix of cultures and experiences has shaped my ability to connect with people from all walks of life and celebrate the diversity of the teams I coach.
My late start in football has defined my coaching philosophy: it’s never too late to fall in love with the game, and every player’s journey is unique. Whether someone begins at 4 or 14, what matters most is their passion, effort, and joy on the pitch—and that’s what I try to nurture in every session with the Eagles.
Safeguarding
We review all of our coaches' Enhanced Criminal Record Checks at the beginning of each term to ensure they are up to date. Coach Tarik is our Club Welfare Officer who is responsible for the welfare, safeguarding and well being of all our players. Tarik as well as Alexis Johnson (Chair) have completed the Football Association's child welfare training course. Our coaches have worked with us for many, many years and have become a core part of the programme.
Please direct any queries about child safeguarding to londoneaglesfc@gmail.com or to Tarik directly.