Real Madrid Foundation football clinic kicks off in Oshakati

Staff Reporter

THE 2026 Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic has officially opened in Oshakati, providing primary school learners with football training and life-skills development through a partnership aimed at promoting youth empowerment, discipline and talent development in Namibia.

The clinic was launched at Oshakati Independence Stadium this week through a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), the Namibia School Sport Union (NSSU), Cadilu Fishing Pty Ltd and the Real Madrid Foundation.

The initiative seeks to use football as a tool to promote teamwork, leadership, social inclusion, healthy lifestyles and personal development among young learners.

The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, regional and local authority representatives, sports administrators, teachers, coaches and learners from schools across the Oshana Region.

Speaking on behalf of the Oshakati Mayor, Deputy Mayor Cllr Mariana Amakali welcomed participants and said the town was honoured to host an initiative focused on youth development and sports promotion.

“As a town, we are honoured to host this important initiative, which reflects our shared commitment to youth development, talent identification, discipline and the promotion of healthy lifestyles through sport,” she said.

Amakali said football has the ability to unite communities, inspire young people and instil values such as teamwork, respect and perseverance.

She encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity by learning from their coaches and applying the lessons both on and off the field.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Oshana Regional Education Director, Principal of Erundu Combined School Aaron Immanuel highlighted the importance of sport in education and called for increased investment in school sport development.

“Today is not just about football. Today is about opportunity. It is about learning. And most importantly, it is about investing in the future of our children and indeed our nation,” he said.

Immanuel said sport contributes to learners’ physical and mental development while improving concentration, discipline and academic performance.

He added that sport helps develop life skills such as resilience, teamwork, respect and perseverance.

“Namibia has an abundance of talent. The challenge lies in structure, investment and commitment. Schools must become the foundation where talent is identified, nurtured and developed into professional excellence,” he said.

Immanuel further called for improved sports infrastructure in schools and the recruitment of qualified sports educators to strengthen talent identification and athlete development.

Learners participating in the clinic have already started practical training sessions focused on football techniques and position-specific skills, including attacking, midfield, defensive and goalkeeping roles.

Beyond football training, the programme also emphasises character building, leadership, discipline and personal development.

The Oshakati clinic will continue throughout the week and is expected to benefit hundreds of young learners. The programme will later move to Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region from 22 to 26 June 2026.

The Ministry said it remains committed to creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents through sport, education and strategic partnerships.

Photos: Ministry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture

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