
On Saturday, 28th June 2025, Kick4Life staff, volunteers, coaches, players, trainees, participants, and members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees gathered at Kick4Life’s Stadium of Life for an celebration marking the organisation’s 20th anniversary.
Kick4Life was founded in 2005 by brothers Steve Fleming MBE and Pete Fleming MBE. Since its inception, the organisation has played a significant role in transforming the lives of young people in Lesotho through football, education, and community programmes. The organisation’s 20 years of impact have been recognised globally, with highlights this year including winning the prestigious 2025 Laureus Sport for Good Award and featuring in the Emmy award-winning Welcome to Wrexham documentary series.
The anniversary celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the last 20 years, from the first health education curriculum and testing initiative launched in 2007, to the women’s team winning the Lesotho Women’s Super League title this year.
The day featured a vibrant and engaging itinerary, beginning with an exclusive screening of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series – specifically, Episode 6 of Season 4, which features Kick4Life, followed by a virtual address from Kick4Life Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Steve Fleming.
Outdoor activities followed, beginning with life skills sessions delivered by the Community Programmes team, with attendees divided into groups. The Academy team then hosted a football festival, where participants took part in various football activities, including matches and fitness sessions.
The afternoon continued with speeches from Kick4Life FC Executive Committee Chairperson, Baba Malephane, who shared the story of how Kick4Life began its operations in Lesotho; Board of Trustees member, Mats’eliso Lehohla; and Country Director, Motlatsi Nkhahle, who expressed gratitude to all in attendance for their continued support and participation.
These speeches led into a celebratory awards ceremony. All attendees were presented with commemorative gold 20th Anniversary medals, followed by individual awards recognising outstanding players and staff.
Staff awards were based on Kick4Life’s five core values: Excellence, People, Teamwork, Ownership, and Integrity. In the week leading up to the celebration, staff was invited to vote for colleagues who best embodied each value. As a result:
• Operations Manager, Teboho Selikane, received two awards—for Excellence and Teamwork
• Finance Manager, ‘Mamanti Seetane, received the Integrity award
• Senior Finance Officer, Moreli Makhupane, was recognised for the value of People
• Head Coach of Development Teams and the Soccer School, and Academy Character Enrichment Coach, Molefi Katane, received the Ownership award.
Player awards were presented to the top goal scorers from Kick4Life’s three competing teams in the 2024/25 season:
• Tholoana Ts’oaeli (Kick4Life Senior Women)
• Takane Makara (Kick4Life Junior Women)
• Paseka Maile (Kick4Life Senior Men – Juventude)
Among the guests in attendance were Jonathan Cathie, a former member of Kick4Life’s UK Board of Trustees, and his daughter Lucy, who are currently visiting Lesotho and engaging with several of the organisation’s programmes.
