The Real Madrid Foundation is the social and educational arm of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. Established in 1997, it uses sport to promote education, social inclusion and personal development. Projects operate across more than 100 countries and reach hundreds of thousands of participants every year.

Mission: To educate in values through sport and contribute to the personal and social development of children and young people.

Vision: To be a global reference point for education, inclusion and social development through sport.

Core Values: Respect · Self-Esteem · Motivation · Teamwork · Equality · Autonomy · Healthy Habits

These values form the foundation of the methodology and are embedded in every program. While football is often the tool used to engage young people, success is measured by the positive impact on a young person’s life — confidence, leadership, responsibility and social inclusion — not only by sporting development.

From Madrid to Lismore: For the first time, children and young people across the Northern Rivers can participate in a community-based Real Madrid Foundation program delivered locally by Rainbow Roos. Families access the same values-based philosophy used worldwide while remaining connected to their local community.

Football is the tool. Values are the goal.

Participants learn football skills and enjoy being active, but the true objective is helping young people develop confidence, character, leadership and responsibility both on and off the field.

The Seven Values

• Respect: Treating others with kindness, fairness and understanding.
• Teamwork: Working together, supporting others and contributing positively to a group.
• Equality: Recognising and valuing every individual regardless of background, ability or circumstance.
• Self-Esteem: Building confidence, self-belief and a positive sense of identity.
• Motivation: Developing enthusiasm, effort and a commitment to personal growth.
• Autonomy: Encouraging independence, responsibility and positive decision-making.
• Healthy Habits: Promoting physical wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and positive routines.

How Participants Learn

Sessions guide players to Play (learning through engaging activities), Reflect (discussing decisions and behaviors), and Grow (applying values on and off the field).

Coaches as Educators: RMF coaches act as mentors, role models and educators. They create environments where young people feel supported, challenged and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. This is a key difference from traditional football programs.

The Real Goal: Not to create better footballers, but confident, respectful and resilient young people who can make a positive contribution to their communities.

The Real Madrid Foundation methodology is delivered in communities around the world and adapted to local needs. As Australia’s first community-based program develops, further details (locations, structure, age-group schedules, participant expectations, etc.) will be released closer to launch.

What a Session Might Look Like

No two sessions are identical. Activities can include football-based drills, guided discussions, active movement, small-group challenges, leadership opportunities, personal development activities, and classroom-based learning experiences.

Designed for the Whole Child

Some children may enjoy the football most; others may benefit most from building confidence, making friends, developing independence or learning new ways to communicate and work with others. The aim is positive experiences that help young people grow.

Rainbow Roos is a Northern Rivers charity dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for children, young people and families through sport, recreation and community programs. Founded in Lismore with the vision that every child should have the opportunity to participate, belong and thrive, it delivers 30+ weekly programs and 1,000+ sessions annually with experienced, qualified coaches.

The Real Madrid Foundation methodology (education, inclusion, personal development) aligns closely with Rainbow Roos’ approach. This shared vision has made Australia’s first community-based Real Madrid Foundation program possible.

Together, the organisations look forward to creating opportunities for young people across the Northern Rivers and helping participants develop the confidence, values and life skills that will support them long into the future.