On Monday, August 4th, former Fundación Xcalibur students took part in a friendly football mini-tournament with the current cohort of program participants at Naguru Katali Primary School.
The event brought together over 40 young participants from different cohorts, with both boys and girls represented across different junior age groups.
The activity is part of the Naguru Social Sports School project, a collaborative initiative that uses football as a tool for social development for the Naguru community, in Kampala.
The attendees were able to enjoy a fun afternoon that further sharpened their footballing skills and improved their competitiveness.
The Naguru Social Sports School project is sponsored by partner organisations that include- Fundación Real Madrid, Fundación Xcalibur, I&M Bank, and Youth Sport Uganda.
Representatives from the partner organisations were present at the event, and further emphasized their commitment to supporting children/youth development through sports.
“We want to create a spirit of continuity, discipline, interaction, and mentorship in the project. Today, the alumni have come here to mentor the new ones, to show them and to share experiences. Most of the alumni have joined sports academies here in Uganda, so we want those currently in the project to learn from them,” said Nakato Angela Kamalinda, the Projects Officer at Fundación Xcalibur.
Fundación Real Madrid have emphasized the broader impact of football beyond just the game itself, highlighting its power to promote social inclusion, education, discipline, and personal development.
I&M Bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications- Annette Nakiyaga re-emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting youth development through sports.
“We are happy to support initiatives that empower youth, nurture their talents, and transform lives through the positive values taught by sport. These youngsters will contribute to a better future, and we’re glad to play a role in shaping them,” she said.
Youth Sport Uganda highlighted how sport shapes communities and builds character.
“The project features both boys and girls, and we have seen how the girls are becoming more confident. This is an inspiration, as they are breaking barriers and challenging gender stereotypes,” said Zaitun Nakawuka, the Programs Coordinator of Education at Youth Sport Uganda.
The Naguru Social Sports School project serves as a beacon of hope in a community facing vast challenges, ranging from poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate sanitation. By integrating football with academic support and life skills training, the project fosters values like discipline, teamwork, and respect among its participants, shaping better futures for them.
