From left, Generation School’s head of marketing, Brendan Epstein, alongside the chief executive at the school, Jevron Epstein, next to World Cup winner with Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos, and the financial director at Generation Schools, Jac Vos, during the launch. Picture: Victor Carraretero / Real Madrid

Cape Town is home to Real Madrid’s first academic institution in South Africa.

Generation Schools welcomed a partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation at its Imhoff campus near Kommetjie last month.

The partnership will see young players between the ages of six and 17 years old hosted in three elite teams that will participate in the domestic amateur leagues hosted by Safa Cape Town.

As they develop, under the watchful eyes of coach Alberto Giménez, the foundation’s technical director in South Africa, they will be taught the values and legacy that built the Uefa Champions League Champions.

Giménez brings over 20 years of coaching experience and a UEFA Pro licence.

Chief executive at Generation Schools, Jevron Epstein said the collaboration aligns with the school’s mission to provide diverse and world-class educational experiences that support academic and athletic achievements.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Real Madrid Foundation to our Imhoff campus and further sites across South Africa in the near future,” said Epstein.

The launch of the academy underscores the Real Madrid Foundation’s dedication to expanding its global footprint. While nurturing talent in South Africa, they will open a second institution in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, in the second quarter of 2025.

“This partnership represents a unique opportunity to blend the passion and discipline of football with the holistic, student-centred approach that Generation Schools is known for. We believe this will be a game-changer for youth sports in South Africa,” said Epstein.

Sporting director at Generation School’s based Rising Stars Football Centre of Excellence, Richard Mcenery, said the partnership is a pathway for young players to pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers with Real Madrid’s legacy of teamwork, leadership and respect.

Football legend, Roberto Carlos, won the World Cup with Brazil and the Uefa Champions League with Real Madrid. During the launch, Carlos said they are delighted to bring the 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. We look forward to working closely with Generation Schools to create a nurturing environment for our young athletes,” said Carlos.

For more information about the enrolments for 2025, visit the Real Madrid Foundation’s website: www.realmadridfoundation.co.za

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Real Madrid set up base at Imhoff