How a Football Coach Shaped a Future Leader: The Inspiring Journey of Mentivity Founder Sayce Holmes-Lewis

Sayce Holmes-Lewis, founder and CEO of Mentivity, an award-winning mentoring organization, attributes much of his success to a pivotal figure in his early life: Abdullah Ben Kmayal. As Holmes-Lewis’s first football coach, mentor, and employer, Kmayal played a crucial role in setting him on a path to achievement and leadership.

Growing up on the Glebe Estate in Peckham, Holmes-Lewis faced significant challenges, including a lack of confidence and societal biases associated with his background. It was during this formative period that Kmayal, who had established Bethwin FC in Camberwell, took Holmes-Lewis under his wing. Kmayal’s football club was more than a local team; it was a sanctuary for young people, aimed at keeping them off the streets and providing them with purpose.

Kmayal, known as Abs, was a figure of discipline and high standards. He ran Bethwin FC for 25 years, employing many of the young people who played for the club and instilling in them the values of punctuality and hard work. Holmes-Lewis recalls how Kmayal’s approach to coaching and leadership had a profound impact on his personal development. The tough love and relentless standards Kmayal applied were not just about football but about preparing his protégés for life.

At the age of 16, Holmes-Lewis began working for Kmayal, marking his first paid job. This experience introduced him to the importance of punctuality and professionalism, lessons that have stayed with him throughout his career. Holmes-Lewis went on to become a professional coach, playing in Ireland and Romania, and eventually launching Mentivity in 2016.

Mentivity, under Holmes-Lewis’s leadership, has made significant strides in mentoring young people. The organization has impacted 25,000 children and collaborates with over 75 schools and colleges. The inspiration for Mentivity’s approach and resilience can be traced back to the lessons learned from Kmayal.

Kmayal’s influence did not end with Holmes-Lewis’s early career. The two have maintained a close relationship for nearly 30 years, with Holmes-Lewis now offering guidance to Kmayal in a role reversal that highlights their mutual respect and enduring bond.

Today, Holmes-Lewis is focused on expanding Mentivity’s reach, with plans to raise £1 million to support youth services on the Aylesbury Estate, the very place where his journey began. His work also includes collaborations with major corporate partners like Goldman Sachs and Spotify, reflecting the long-lasting impact of Kmayal’s mentorship.

Holmes-Lewis’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the profound influence that a dedicated coach can have on a young person’s life. Abdullah Ben Kmayal’s legacy is evident in Holmes-Lewis’s achievements and his commitment to giving back to the community, proving that a single mentor’s guidance can indeed set the stage for a lifetime of success and leadership.