As Spanish giants Real Madrid aim to leave their mark on South African football, the blueprint behind their ambitious project has been unveiled.
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Kommetjie, Cape Town, the Real Madrid Foundation has established its first academy in the country, which will be hosted at Generation Schools Imhoff.
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Surrounded by the majestic Ou Kaapse Weg mountains and the pristine Atlantic coastline, this state-of-the-art facility provides the ideal backdrop for the club's global mission to develop young talent while instilling the values synonymous with Los Blancos.
Heading the academy's technical operations is Alberto Gimenez De Paco, who the Real foundation described as a seasoned professional with over a decade of international experience.
He has also previously directed football programs across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australia.
"His career highlights include roles with Fundación Real Madrid, UCAM Murcia C.F., and Madrid International Academy, where he has worked with players from U7 to U17, combining expertise in coaching, methodology, and strength and conditioning," the foundation said in a statement.
"Holding advanced qualifications such as a UEFA A Licence, degrees in Sports Sciences and Physiotherapy, and specialised training in talent identification and Coerver coaching, he brings a holistic approach to player development."
Targeting players aged 6 to 17, the academy follows an annual curriculum that outlines distinct learning phases to ensure consistent growth.
Each session is set to be tailored to meet specific developmental goals, focusing on technical skills for younger players and progressively integrating tactical and competitive elements as they advance.
The Real Madrid approach to player development revolves around three fundamental pillars: The Player, The Game, and The Mindset.
These pillars are the foundation of a comprehensive methodology that is carefully designed to nurture talent across six key areas: physical, technical, tactical, mental, competition, and Real Madrid Foundation Values.
The academy's training sessions are meticulously designed to maintain continuity and focused attention. Exercises are aligned with the club's playing style, ensuring players are immersed in Los Blancos' football culture.
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The programme's progressive approach ensures that players develop holistically, from mastering fundamentals to cultivating a competitive mindset.