Chanse Headman, a commanding centre-back, was one of three initial under-18 signings by Brentford in February 2023, joining the club from Walton & Hersham.
Initially signed on a six-month contract, Chanse impressed the coaching staff enough to secure a one-year professional deal, marking a significant step in his footballing journey. His first football memory was watching Fulham’s historic win over Juventus, a moment that sparked his passion for the game.
Known for his strong, aggressive, ball-playing style, Chanse is determined to make his mark on the field. His proudest footballing moment came when he signed with Brentford, a culmination of years of hard work that saw him progress through clubs like Kingstonian, Sutton United, Hanwell Youth, Leatherhead, and his final stop at Walton & Hersham before joining the Bees.
His pre-match routine includes listening to house or RnB music to get into the zone, while his initiation song varies "depending on the day." His dream five-a-side team includes legends like Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Messi, Pele, and Ronaldo – a team reflective of his admiration for both defensive prowess and attacking flair.
Training alongside Brentford’s first-team players has been an invaluable experience for Chanse, where he’s learned the importance of communication on the pitch, a skill that has significantly improved his game. He credits Neil MacFarlane and Sam Saunders for helping him fine-tune his abilities, transforming him from a player initially lacking confidence to one who now feels more assured in his role. Still, he remains eager to keep learning and developing.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Chanse emphasises the family-like atmosphere at Brentford. “The staff, the boys, and everyone at the club make it feel like a family, not just a place for work,” he says. His ultimate goals for the season include playing as much as possible, keeping clean sheets, and winning as many games as he can. With his aggressive style, ball-playing ability, and relentless desire to win, Chanse is poised to become a key figure for Brentford in the years ahead.