# Patrick Kanyuka

Patrick Elamenji Kanyuka (born 19 July 1987) is a ex Congolese footballer who played as a defender. He is the founder and chairman of Waltham Cross Football Club and the owner of multiple businesses, including Future Cross CIC, Patkans, and the International College Programme. Kanyuka is also actively involved in community development through the Active in Hope Community Foundation, which focuses on mental health, education, and skills development.

## Career
### Queens Park Rangers

Born in Kinshasa, Kanyuka started his career with Leyton Orient as a youth player in 2003 before joining Queens Park Rangers the following year. Source Neilson N. Kaufman - historian Leyton Orient FC . Queens Park Rangers after signing a professional contract on 19 July 2004. His early career was plagued by injuries, but towards the end of the 2005–06 season he held down a regular place in John Gregory's side due to an injury to Danny Cullip.

### Swindon Town

He signed for Swindon Town on 21 January 2008 until the end of the season after being released by Queens Park Rangers. Kanyuka made his Swindon debut in the 1–0 win at Luton Town, he played the whole game despite being kicked in the forehead by former QPR team mate Paul Furlong, an injury that required many stitches and forced him to miss Swindon's next game. He was released at the end of the season, having scored once against Bristol Rovers in 20 league appearances.

### Motherwell trial & Northampton Town

On 21 July 2009, Scottish Premier League club Motherwell handed the defender a trial, however he later signed for League Two team Northampton Town on an initial three-month deal during October 2009 after a successful trial.

### CFR Cluj & FC Unirea Alba Iulia loan

In January 2010 after impressing during pre-season Kanyuka was signed by CFR Cluj. He joined Unirea Alba Iulia on loan in August.

### Lincoln City

On 27 January 2011, he signed on a free transfer for League Two side Lincoln City. In May 2011, he was not offered a new contract after a mass clear out of players following the club's relegation from the Football League.

### Tamworth

In August 2011 he signed for Tamworth. Kanyuka was released from the club on 27 January 2012, having made 18 league and cup appearances, including a third round FA Cup match against Premier League side Everton.

### Trials

On 13 March 2012 Kanyuka scored in a behind closed doors game at Leeds United's training ground, Thorp Arch, whilst on trial. Kanyuka went stateside and joined C.D. Chivas USA on trial. He left them on 28 March 2012.

### Staines Town

In October 2012 he joined Staines Town. He move on to join Maidenhead United in December 2012 but left the following month to move to Thailand and join Roi Et United.

### Limerick FC

In July 2015, Kanyuka joined Irish Premier Division side Limerick FC. He cemented his place in the first team with some impressive performances. He left the club following their relegation in November 2015.

### Shan United FC

In 2016 January, Kanyuka moved to Shan United.

### Waltham Cross Football Club

In 2021, Kanyuka founded Waltham Cross Football Club, the first semi-professional football club in Waltham Cross. The club competes in the Herts Senior County League and aims for promotion to the English Football League. Under his leadership, the club focuses on player development and promoting diversity in football.

### Future Cross CIC

Kanyuka is the founder of Future Cross CIC, a sports tour company that organizes international football showcases and youth development tournaments in countries such as Thailand, Nigeria, and Cambodia. The organization aims to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth through football and engagement programs.

### Patkans

In addition to football management, Kanyuka launched Patkans, a sportswear brand supplying kits and apparel to football clubs. The brand has secured sponsorship deals in Nigeria and plans to expand into streetwear and football boots while supporting grassroots players.

## Coaching career

In 2021, Kanyuka was named the assistant manager to Anthony McNamee at Combined Counties League Division One side Enfield Borough.
In 2022, Waltham Cross Football Club was established by founder & Ex Professional footballer Patrick Kanyuka, They play in the Hertfordshire Senior County League division One. He currently is owner and manager of the club.

### International College Programme

Through his International College Programme, Kanyuka helps recruit young international talents, particularly from Africa, to study and develop their football careers in the UK. The program offers pathways to professional opportunities.

## Philanthropy and community Work

Norably, Kanyuka is actively involved in the Active in Hope Community Foundation, a registered charity focused on mental health, education, and skills development. The foundation operates the Active in Hope Skills Academy, which provides courses such as:
* BTEC Sports
* ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
* Mathematics and IT
* Healthcare training
These programs support NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) individuals, offering them career development opportunities.