New Delhi, Sep 26 (Representative) In a move aimed at fostering the holistic development of school children through football, ROADIS, a Madrid-based global leader in infrastructure management, has launched Social Sports Schools in Varanasi. The initiative is a collaboration with the Real Madrid Foundation (RMF) and NGO partner KHUSHI, founded by cricket legend Kapil Dev, to support underprivileged children.The programme targets over 200 students, ensuring an inclusive approach by training both boys and girls from grades 2 to 8. The students will receive football training that emphasises teamwork, leadership, and self-esteem, along with essential life skills.The initiative is initially being implemented in two schools – Primary School Daffi and Composite Vidyalaya Naveen – with plans for further expansion.
Eduardo Calvo, Global Corporate Responsibility Director at ROADIS, said, “Sports play a critical role in shaping young minds. Through this partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation, we aim to offer the children of Varanasi a platform for growth and opportunity, complementing our ongoing efforts in education through the Shikshantra Plus program.”The initiative will also train local educators in Real Madrid’s football methodology. Coaches, both male and female, have already undergone a 3-day training session led by RMF experts.Julio Gonzalez Ronco, Managing Director of the Real Madrid Foundation, emphasised the value of sports in building a culture of inclusion and equality. “Our initiative is designed to provide equal opportunities for boys and girls, fostering a value-driven environment that promotes diversity and respect,” he said.
The launch of Social Sports Schools in Varanasi underscores ROADIS’s commitment to social impact through education and sport, contributing to a more equitable future for underprivileged children.ROADIS manages 1,596 km of toll roads in five countries, including Brazil, Mexico, India, Spain, and Portugal. It is a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), one of the largest pension investment managers in Canada.The Real Madrid Foundation promotes education and social inclusion through sports. Operating in 95 countries, the Foundation reaches vulnerable groups, using football to instill values like teamwork and respect since its inception in 1997.