Real Madrid Foundation and Generation Schools empower youth through football

Keanan Harmse

Keanan.Harmse@novusmedia.co.za

The learners at Generation Schools Imhoff can look forward to training with the world’s best football coaches, after the school launched the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme (RMFEFP) on their campus on Friday evening 30 May.

The event was attended by Alberto Giménez, Technical Director of the RMFEFP programme in South Africa, and Andrés Muntaner, RMFEFP’s Director of Clinics.

“The launch evening was attended by families, programme staff and young players who showcased their skills and celebrated their growth since the programme began,” said school spokesperson Caronne Vermaak. “It was a celebration of not just football, but of the dreams, discipline and determination the children have demonstrated.”

The collaboration between the Foundation and the school offer learners access to world-class football coaching with personal development, focusing on emotional intelligence, teamwork and long-term educational outcomes.

“Although the programme at Imhoff has been running since the beginning of the year, the official celebration marked a key milestone in recognising its impact and growth within the community,” said Vermaak.

The programme was introduced to South Africa earlier this year and has since expanded across three campuses: Sunningdale, Imhoff and, most recently, Taroko in Johannesburg.

The Imhoff campus has played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the programme’s success in the province, with dozens of young athletes already benefiting from its structured mentorship and high-performance training.

Currently, seven full bursaries, including six with accommodation, and 20 partial bursaries have been awarded by the school to talented young players from disadvantaged communities in Cape Town.

Jevron Epstein, CEO of Generation Schools and president of the Real Madrid Foundation South Africa, said it was an honour working alongside Imhoff.

“We’ve seen first hand how the right combination of sport, mentorship, and education can uplift communities. This programme is about building futures—both on and off the pitch,” he said.