● Fundación Xcalibur, Real Madrid Foundation and I&M Bank have signed an agreement for the development and growth of the Naguru Social Sports School in Uganda.
● The agreement, that takes effect from the next seasons, will enhance the sports and social education of vulnerable children in Uganda.
● Through this collaboration, the organisations seek to promote holistic development, social inclusion and ethical values through sport.
Fundación Xcalibur, whose mission is to promote and support the education of children, youth, and women in vulnerable situations, using sports, training, and culture as motivational tools, has signed a strategic agreement with Real Madrid Foundation and I&M Bank, for the consolidation and expansion of the Naguru Social Sports School in Uganda, with a view to extending the project to other schools.
This agreement will enable the expansion of the positive impact of the social sports school. The initiative’s primary goal is the holistic development of children through sport, contributing to improved physical and mental well-being, as well as fostering values such as solidarity, respect and teamwork.
The Participation of More Than 280 Children and The Indirect Benefit For 700 Family Members Reflect The True Impact of This Initiative
For the smooth operation of this initiative, Fundación Xcalibur will be responsible for the on-ground implementation of the project, and allocating the funds received from I&M Bank, to cover the programme’s operational costs. Real Madrid Foundation will ensure the proper application of its methodology, by providing training and monitoring the coaches involved in the programme.I&M Bank is mandated to contribute to the growth of the project and enabling more children to benefit from the initiative.
Since 2022, Fundación Xcalibur and Real Madrid Foundation have collaborated at the Naguru Social Sports School, a project that has impacted over 280 participants, and positively affected more than 700 families and community members.
With the support, guidance, and daily efforts of a local partner and key stakeholder- Youth Sport Uganda, the project—now in its third cycle—has achieved remarkable results. This has been achieved through sports activities, workshops, home visits, and a menstrual hygiene programme, that has supported girls' participation in sports, reduced incidences of depression and anxiety among children, improved interpersonal relationships, and improved menstrual hygiene awareness, among other positive outcomes.
Javier Lezcano, the
Executive Director of Fundación Xcalibur, remarks: "At the Foundation, we are enthusiastic and motivated to continue the mission we have been carrying out in Uganda through this expansion. Having such influential partners in the sporting and financial sectors, with a strong social and human vision, is an honour and can serve as an example for other organisations to take a step to contribute and support international development cooperation”.
I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to create long-term, sustainable change in underserved communities.
“As a people-centred bank, we’re committed to making a real difference in the communities around us. This partnership is about supporting the next generation and providing opportunities for growth, education, and inclusion for all," Bairstow added.
Annette Nakiyaga, the I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, highlighted that this collaboration goes beyond traditional support, as it aims to address key community needs, and to uplift the next generation.“By partnering with Fundación Xcalibur and Real Madrid Foundation, we’re playing our part in giving children the chance to grow through education, sports, and community programmes that help them thrive,” Nakiyaga said.Julio González Ronco, adds that this new alliance “allow us to reach even more children in need, offering them a safe space where they can enjoy sports while learning essential values thar shapes their future.”
For more information on the programme, please visit:
https://fundacionxcalibur.org
Gallery
The three organizations entered into an agreement to develop and grow the Naguru Social Sports School, as well as promote holistic development, social inclusion, and ethical values through sport.
Gonzalez brought with him not just the prestige of one of the world’s most successful football clubs, but also the club’s globally respected educational model and its 7 core values.
The training course, which was both theoretical and practical, covered areas including the Real Madrid Foundation’s educational model, the club’s seven core values, the process for value inclusion in sport, training contents, methodology, and task designs. Coaches were the primary participants in the training, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the Foundation’s approach. As part of the practical sessions, the coaches also conducted drills with the children involved in the project, all under the guidance of Coach Fernández.
I&M Bank CEO- Robin Bairstow, who attended the children’s final training session, highlighted that the Real Madrid coach’s visit and the training program marked a significant milestone in the bank’s broader mission to uplift communities through strategic and sustainable partnerships.
“Sport is a powerful tool for transformation, and this partnership is proof of that,” said Bairstow. “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,” he added.
The use of sport as a platform for education, inclusion, and personal development offers young people practical skills, positive values, and renewed hope for a better future, while also creating safe spaces to address important issues such as menstrual hygiene.
Annette Nakayiga, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank, said that the Real Madrid coach’s visit not only inspires the next generation, but also provides them with valuable lessons and motivation.
“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,” Nakayiga said, adding that; “Developments like this make us proud, for they reaffirm our position as a people-centred bank.”
Nakato Angela, the Projects Officer at Xcalibur Foundation, highlighted the positive impact the initiative has had on the host community, noting a significant rise in school attendance at Naguru Katali Primary School, where the project is currently based.
“So far, we have 100 children in the project. Recently, we had 80,” she said, pointing to the growing interest among learners and parents alike. She attributed this surge to the engaging and inclusive nature of the program, which blends sports with life skills, education, and mentorship.
Nakato also revealed that the Foundation, in collaboration with its partners, is working on plans to roll out the initiative to other parts of the country to reach even more children and communities in need of such transformative opportunities.
The Naguru Social Sports School, established in 2021 by the Xcalibur Foundation, is a community-driven initiative located in the Naguru settlement of Kampala. The academy leverages football as a tool for social development, aiming to foster holistic growth among children and the youth in the area.
The Real Madrid Foundation ensures the proper application of its methodology through training and monitoring of coaches, with current training focusing on enhancing knowledge of the Foundation's educational models and core values. 
