From Pitch to Purpose: Real Madrid’s Powerful New Youth Program Launches in Morocco

Launching in Rabat this September, the Real Madrid Foundation and Play Makers aim to nurture Moroccan youth with values-driven football education—expanding soon to Casablanca and Tangier.

Rabat, Morocco — July 18, 2025
In a move that blends elite sport with social purpose, the Real Madrid Foundation, in collaboration with Play Makers, has officially announced the launch of a groundbreaking football-education program in Morocco. Set to begin in Rabat this September, the initiative will expand to Casablanca and Tangier, with a mission to foster youth development through sport, teamwork, and shared values.

“We believe football can be a powerful tool for education and inclusion,” said Iker Casillas, global ambassador for the Real Madrid Foundation. “This project reflects our deep commitment to using the club’s legacy to uplift communities worldwide.”

Beyond Football: Teaching Life Through Sport
The program is more than just training drills and matches. Designed by the Real Madrid Foundation’s international development team, it focuses on holistic youth empowerment—combining athletic training with workshops on values such as respect, equality, effort, and cooperation.

Local children, especially from underserved backgrounds, will benefit from free access to structured football coaching, social activities, and academic mentorship. Coaches will be trained by Real Madrid Foundation specialists to ensure the club’s signature methodology is implemented with consistency and care.

“We’re not just building athletes—we’re building citizens,” noted Javier García, director of international programs at the Foundation. “The young people in this program will learn to win with dignity and lose with honor.”

National and Local Support for Youth Inclusion
The program’s rollout aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to integrate sports into its national education system and social inclusion policies. It also follows the Kingdom’s successful co-hosting of major events like the WAFCON 2024 and its selection as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

“Morocco is proud to welcome global partnerships that invest in our youth,” said Fatima Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism and Youth. “This initiative reflects our vision of sport as a bridge to opportunity.”

From Rabat to Tangier: Expansion Plans Underway
After the pilot in Rabat, the Foundation plans to expand into Casablanca and Tangier in early 2026. Each city will serve as a regional hub, reaching thousands of boys and girls aged 6 to 16. The program will prioritize inclusion of girls and children with disabilities, reinforcing Morocco’s push for gender equality and accessibility in sports.

A Global Vision with Local Roots
The initiative is part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s broader international outreach, which operates in over 80 countries. Morocco now joins a growing network of partner nations committed to using sport as a vehicle for peace, education, and inclusion.