Young South African girl selected for Real Madrid programme
A gifted eight-year-old footballer from Cape Town has been chosen to join the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme.
Atarah Goodheart, a highly talented footballer from Ocean View in Cape Town, has secured a full sponsorship to join the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme and continue her formal education at Generation Schools Imhoff.
She stands out as the only girl in her club’s Under-8 football A team, regularly earning a spot in the starting line-up thanks to her impressive technical skills, calmness under pressure, and strong determination.
At school, she ranks among the top academic performers in her grade.
Thanks to Kensio House Therapeutic Academy, this opportunity will give her access to both quality education and elite football training.
Unique programme at Real Madrid
Former Proteas cricketer and Kensio House Director Steven Palframan, together with Co-Founders Siobhan Laubscher and Kendal Pietersen, supported the initiative, driven by their strong commitment to empowering young talent through education.
“Atarah’s passion and determination are clear, and I believe strongly in the importance of creating meaningful pathways for young people to succeed,” said Palframan. “It’s a privilege to be part of her journey and to support the work being done through Kensio House, Generation Schools and the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme.
“We need to ensure that more young girls like her can pursue their dreams with both confidence and opportunity.”
As part of the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme, she will receive access to
elite coaching, mentorship, and academic support.