Eight-year-old Atarah Goodheart receives R45,000 sponsorship for Real Madrid football programme
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
Eight-year-old Atarah Goodheart, a Grade 2 learner at Jupiter Primary School in Ocean View, officially received a R45,000 sponsorship cheque on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, to join the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme through Generation Schools.
Atarah, who has been playing football for the past two years with the Rising Stars Football Club in her hometown, was handed the cheque during a youth-focused touch rugby exhibition match at the Western Province Cricket Club.
The event, which placed the spotlight on education, sport and development, featured sporting legends and celebrities including former All Blacks fly-half Carlos Spencer, ex-Springboks Juan de Jongh and Rudy Paige, and actor-comedian Siv Ngesi. The sponsorship was made possible through Kensio House and former Proteas cricketer Steven Palframan.
Atarah's proud mother, Lynzia Goodheart, beaming with joy, said:
'She's been kicking ball since she could start walking. Overwhelming, unexplainable, unbelievable. I see she won't be staying in South Africa very long – her path looks very bright. It's already starting at eight.'
Ricardo "Tricky Ricky" Duarttee with the ball
Image: Armand Hough
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Reflecting on the moment, she added:
'In June, the owner of the club spoke about this. We were waiting. It's a one-in-a-million opportunity. The best learning and education level.'
Goodheart added that she envisions her daughter heading abroad to sharpen her skills under the Real Madrid banner- her ultimate dream.
'I know my child has a very bright future ahead of her, that is why I am so thankful the sponsors could also see what I can, I know she will make everyone proud.'
Atarah told the Weekend Argus that she is more than just excited to start her new journey.
'My friends are also excited and I am excited to be around some of my friends who already started at the school.'
Brett Garner, head of the campus where Atarah will be based, said:
'It's good to see the role of sport in education. What a good thing — business involved in sport and education. I can't wait to welcome Atarah to our campus. It provides a pretty unique education solution.'
'She will be well looked after,' Garner added, referring to the Generation Schools group.
At the handover Sekhukhune United Football Club (F.C.) also announced a ground-breaking partnership with Generation Schools to establish a fully integrated youth football academy in Gauteng.
The academy will combine elite-level football training with private school education for up to 144 talented young athletes, all on fully funded scholarships.
It was a day filled with sporting fun
Image: Armand Hough
Sekhukhune United F.C. Head of Marketing and Communication, Tebogo Mapinga, said: 'We're building a footballing legacy that starts with meaningful investment in our youth. But our ambition isn't just about producing the next generation of professional players, it's about nurturing responsible, empowered young leaders. Too often, our brightest talents are lured abroad. This academy is designed to give them world-class opportunities right here at home. This collaboration will change the lives of the youth from the Sekhukhune region along with the rest of South Africa.'
Jevron Epstein, CEO of Generation Schools, added, 'This partnership challenges the status quo. It represents a major shift in how professional clubs engage with youth development. We're creating a pipeline that grows talent from the grassroots up, while ensuring that each learner receives a quality education and access to diverse opportunities both on and off the field.'
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus
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