A Real Madrid Foundation coach has completed a transformative three-day training program at the Naguru Social Sports School in Kampala, marking a major milestone in a youth-focused partnership between Fundación Xcalibur, Real Madrid Foundation, and I&M Bank Uganda.
Alejandro Fernández Gonzalez, Head of Training, Research and Development at the Real Madrid Foundation, led the training sessions from Tuesday, May 27 to Thursday, May 29. His visit follows an agreement announced in April between the three organizations to support the development of the Naguru-based school and to use sport as a tool for education, social inclusion, and ethical development.
The course combined theoretical and practical modules, focusing on the Real Madrid Foundation’s educational framework and its seven core values. Local coaches were the primary beneficiaries, receiving instruction on value-based training, task design, and inclusive methodologies. Under Fernández’s guidance, they also conducted field sessions with children enrolled in the program.
Speaking during the children’s final session, I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow described the initiative as a meaningful investment in community upliftment.
“Sport is a powerful tool for transformation, and this partnership is proof of that,” Bairstow said. “Having a Real Madrid coach visit Uganda is not just an honour, it’s a unique opportunity for our young people to learn from the best. We are optimistic that the training will help shape the future for young players, as well as build stronger communities—grounded in values, teamwork, and inclusion.”
Annette Nakayiga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank, noted the motivational impact of the coach’s visit.
“Real Madrid is a household name the world over, and having a coach from such a big club come down here is a huge motivation for the youth and all of us as a nation,” she said. “Developments like this make us proud, for they reaffirm our position as a people-centred bank.”
Nakato Angela, Projects Officer at Fundación Xcalibur, highlighted the initiative’s immediate local impact, citing a sharp rise in school attendance at Naguru Katali Primary School, where the project is currently housed.
“So far, we have 100 children in the project. Recently, we had 80,” Nakato said, attributing the growth to the program’s engaging mix of sport, education, and mentorship.
She added that plans are underway to expand the initiative to other communities across the country.
Established in 2021, the Naguru Social Sports School serves children and youth in the Naguru settlement of Kampala. It uses football as a platform for holistic development, offering life skills, educational support, and safe spaces to address social issues, including menstrual hygiene.
The Real Madrid Foundation continues to monitor and ensure the correct application of its values-based methodology in all partner programs globally, including the training conducted in Uganda.
