YKK And Real Madrid Foundation Empower Underprivileged Youth Through Football Collaboration

Add as a preferred source on Google

YKK Holding Asia Pte. Ltd. (YHA) and YKK India Private Limited have continued their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the fourth edition of the YKK ASAO Kids Football Clinic (YKK AKFC) in India.

In collaboration with the Real Madrid Foundation (RMF), the three-day clinic, held from November 2nd to 5th at New Delhi's Kicksal Arena football facility, showcased a unique blend of football expertise and social impact.

The official press conference, featuring VIP panelist Andres Muntaner Borrajo, Area Manager for Real Madrid Foundation, took on a more intimate pitch-side format, setting the tone for an event that transcends traditional boundaries.

Nearly 300 underprivileged children from orphanages actively participated in the initiative, receiving guidance from Real Madrid Foundation coaches, including Carlos Gustavo Albert Garcia, Maria Bores Vazquez, and Victor Loppez Pacheco, along with support from local Indian coaches endorsed by Football Delhi. Beyond refining football skills, participants imbibed crucial values like teamwork and discipline through the sport.

Concurrently, over 30 Indian coaches, including Carlos Gustavo Albert Garcia, Maria Bores Vazquez, and Victor Loppez Pacheco, underwent a comprehensive three-day training. This collaborative effort aims at holistic development, nurturing both football and life skills, reflecting YKK and Real Madrid Foundation's commitment to positive change for underprivileged youth.

Each participant received a comprehensive set of YKK/Real Madrid Foundation kits, including football boots, certificates, participation medals, and souvenirs, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. The collaboration between the coaching teams, spanning over a decade, exemplifies a commitment to breaking down cultural barriers and spreading joy through the sport.

In line with the YKK ASAO REGION CSR program, YKK announced the donation of footballs and training equipment to non-profit organizations and schools. This gesture aims to provide underprivileged children with the resources needed to pursue their football dreams.

Kosuke Miimi, President of YHA, emphasized the program's integral nature, highlighting its broader impact on both children and the community. The YKK AKFC CSR initiative, initiated in 2007, has extended its reach across Asia, offering thousands of underprivileged children a unique football experience alongside renowned Spanish coaches from the Real Madrid Foundation.

Miimi reaffirmed YKK's dedication to the annual CSR event, aligning with the company's broader mission to be a responsible member of society.

Beyond the perspectives of the children, the program also involved local coaches who, in a reciprocal learning environment, acquired new techniques from foreign coaches and subsequently imparted them to the underprivileged children. Deepa, a local coach, shared her experience, emphasizing the focus on basics and the challenges of introducing football to children unfamiliar with the sport.

Reisuke Aratani, Managing Director of YKK India, shed light on the event's CSR nature, emphasizing the promotion of fun, teamwork, and mutual respect through football. He highlighted the collaboration with Real Madrid Foundation, sharing common values to promote the healthy growth of children.

The training sessions focused on basic football techniques, fostering teamwork, and instilling the joy of the game. The CSR initiative also extended to vocational training for women in underprivileged areas, empowering them to be independent and improve their livelihoods.

In its fourth installment in India and second in Delhi, the YKK AKFC CSR program continues to make a lasting impact, fostering a love for football and contributing to holistic community development.