After-school. Sporty. Active. Nanny Agency.

By Richard - Co-founder, Athlete Mannies & Nannies After-School Nanny Agency in London, UK.

Rewind to the summer of 2015—I was midway through my Sports Science degree at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, training daily alongside world-class athletes like Charlie Grice, Jake Wightman, and Adelle Tracey in the London Marathon-funded ‘athlete house.’ Immersed in such an elite environment, I learned first-hand the value of hard work, structure, and motivation—principles that would later shape the foundation of Athlete Mannies & Nannies.

It all started with a conversation. My good friend and fellow athlete Ben Coldray had been working as a male after-school nanny for a local family. When he needed time off to train abroad, I volunteered to step in. Within days, I was picking the kids up from school, helping with homework, preparing healthy meals, and playing football or cricket in the garden. It was a perfect fit—combining my love for sport with a flexible schedule that worked around university and training.

The kids loved the energy and encouragement I brought, and so did their parents. Very quickly, word spread. Other parents in the playground began asking if I could help with their school pick-ups and after-school routines. The demand for active, sporty after-school nannies—especially male ones—was far greater than I expected.

When Ben returned, we caught up on a run through Teddington. We both agreed: there was a real opportunity here. We brainstormed names and landed on “Athlete Mannies.” As we expanded and welcomed brilliant female student nannies into the fold, we evolved into Athlete Mannies & Nannies—an after-school nanny service designed for active families who value health, sport, and positive role models.

What started as a side hustle quickly became a real business. We juggled training and lectures during the day, nanny shifts in the evenings, and business admin whenever we could. Slowly but surely, we built a reputation in the local community for offering after-school care with a difference.

By 2016, things accelerated. Families across southwest London were reaching out, looking for nannies who could not only supervise their children but also inspire them to be active. We doubled down on recruitment, sourcing enthusiastic university athletes who shared our passion for sport and mentoring kids.

Since then, we’ve helped hundreds of families and student-athletes across the UK, offering flexible, enriching after-school care that promotes healthy living and active play. We’re proud to offer a meaningful alternative to screen time—our mannies and nannies are out playing football, helping with homework, and encouraging creativity and confidence in every child they work with.

We’re not a traditional nanny agency—and we never will be. Our mission is to connect sporty, responsible university students with families who want their children to grow up active, supported, and inspired.

Thanks for taking the time to read our story. If you’re a parent looking for an energetic after-school nanny, or a student-athlete looking to earn while making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you - contact us here.

Richard
Co-founder, Athlete Mannies & Nannies

As Seen In:
– The Telegraph
– Daily Mail
– GQ Magazine
– This Is Money