Litsitso Letsunyane
On Tuesday, March 12th, Wrexham AFC and Kick4Life FC unveiled their club twinning partnership, marking a significant milestone in their shared mission to make a positive impact within their communities.
Wrexham AFC, situated in North Wales, stands as one of the world’s oldest football clubs, with a rich history spanning generations. Acquired by renowned actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney three years ago, the club has since undergone a remarkable journey, even featuring in the acclaimed ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series. Beyond the pitch, the club’s charitable trust tackles various community initiatives, ranging from football programs for marginalized groups to initiatives promoting gender equality and tackling anti-social behavior.
The union between Wrexham and Kick4Life builds upon a longstanding national twinning between Wales and Lesotho, dating back to 1984. Drawing parallels in size, landscape, bilingualism, and cultural heritage, the partnership aims to amplify their community impact through collaborative efforts. Through coaching exchanges, advocacy for women’s football, and the development of a comprehensive ‘Football for Good’ curriculum encompassing health, education, social inclusion, and employability, the initiative aspires to reach 3,000 vulnerable children and young people over the next three years.
Maleshoane Motlatsi, Kick4Life Academy Director, expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting the potential for talented youth to pursue their education and football dreams at Wrexham, mirroring the success of sending some of their talented student athletes to the USA.
Humphrey Key, Executive Director of Wrexham AFC, echoed Motlatsi’s sentiments, underscoring the club’s overarching goal of connecting the Wrexham community to the global stage, viewing this partnership as the inaugural step in achieving that vision.
Steve Fleming, Co-Founder of Kick4Life, hailed the collaboration as a testament to the transformative power of football in effecting positive social change. Emphasizing the unique synergy between the two clubs, he anticipates a fruitful exchange of knowledge and experiences, illustrating how football can transcend geographical boundaries to uplift lives.
Acknowledging the support of the British High Commissioner, Harry MacDonald, and the British High Commission, both Wrexham AFC and Kick4Life expressed gratitude for their backing in launching the partnership during Lesotho’s Bicentennial celebrations.
As Wrexham AFC and Kick4Life FC embark on this journey of collaboration, their shared commitment to leveraging football as a force for good sets a promising precedent for clubs around, demonstrating the immense potential for sports to foster positive change within communities, regardless of geographical divides.
