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By Johnathan Paoli
The Real Madrid Foundation has officially announced the establishment of its first South African football academy, marking a historic milestone in the club’s global expansion.
The academy, created in partnership with Generation Schools, will bring world-class football training to young athletes in Cape Town and Johannesburg, seamlessly integrating elite coaching with academic excellence and personal development.
The first Real Madrid Foundation Academy will open at Generation Schools Imhoff campus in the Kommetjie area of Cape Town.
A second academy is scheduled to launch in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, in the second quarter of the year.
This expansion will further extend Real Madrid’s esteemed training philosophy across South Africa, providing more young footballers with access to top-tier coaching.
The academy will cater to children aged six to 17, offering a structured development programme built on three key pillars – the player, the game and the mindset.
These pillars encompass six critical training areas, namely physical, technical, tactical, mental, competition,# and Real Madrid Foundation values, ensuring a holistic approach to player development.
With a curriculum designed to maintain continuity in training, the academy will integrate technical-tactical routines that define Real Madrid’s signature playing style.
To further enhance development, the academy will field three elite teams to compete in the 2025 local football association season, alongside additional developmental teams to accommodate players at various skill levels.
Real Madrid Foundation Technical Director in South Africa and Head Coach, Alberto Giménez is expected to lead the academy.
Supporting him in this mission, the Rising Stars Centre of Excellence Sporting Director Richard Mcenery said his vision was to cultivate a hub of excellence that fosters teamwork, leadership and respect, which were values synonymous with Real Madrid’s rich history.
Football legend Roberto Carlos has similarly thrown his support behind the initiative, highlighting its significance beyond sport.
“We are delighted to bring the Real Madrid Foundation’s values and training philosophy to South Africa. This initiative is about more than just football; it’s about using sport as a tool to foster education, integration, and social development,” he said.
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