Pictured from left to right: Bianca Naude, GAC Motors; Phineas Madisha, Football Manager, Sekhukhune United F.C; Steven Palframan, Director, Kensio House; Atarah Goodheart; Tebogo Mapinga, Head of Marketing and Communication, Sekhukhune United F.C; Jevron Epstein, President of the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme in South Africa; Kendal Pietersen, Co-Founder, Kensio House; Siobhan Laubscher, Co-Founder, Kensio House.
by [Staff Reporter](javascript:void(0))
Monday Aug 04, 2025. 17:03
Cape Town, 4 August 2025 – Atarah Goodheart, an exceptionally talented eight-year-old footballer from Ocean View in Cape Town, has been awarded a full sponsorship to join the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme and continue her formal schooling at Generation Schools Imhoff.
Atarah has distinguished herself as the only girl in her club’s under-8 football A-team. She is consistently selected for the starting line-up and recognised for her technical ability, composure, and determination. She is also currently one of the top academic performers in her grade at her school in Ocean View. This opportunity will allow her to access both high-quality education and advanced football training — a rare and significant step forward for a young girl in South African sport.
This life-changing opportunity was made possible through Kensio House Therapeutic Academy, a school whose core mission is to create opportunities for learners and help them thrive in the right environment. Kensio House embraced the chance to give back to education and ensure that Atarah has the platform to reach her full potential. The initiative was supported by former Proteas cricketer and Director of Kensio House, Steven Palframan, along with Co-Founders Siobhan Laubscher and Kendal Pietersen, who are deeply committed 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 Steven 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.”
This sponsorship represents a meaningful step not only in Atarah’s personal journey, but also in shifting perceptions about girls in sport, particularly football. As part of the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme, she will receive access to elite coaching, mentorship, and academic support. She will also serve as an inspiring example for other young girls across the country.
“This is not only about talent, but about recognising potential and making sure no young person is left behind due to their circumstances,” said Jevron Epstein, President of the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme in South Africa. “Atarah has shown immense promise and resilience, and we are proud to welcome her into the programme. Our goal is to provide more children with access to world-class development opportunities, no matter their background.”
With this sponsorship, Atarah will transition her schooling to Generation Schools Imhoff, where she will be able to develop her academic and sporting talents in a nurturing, future-focused environment.
The handover of the sponsorship took place during a youth, education, and sport day hosted at the end of July. The event, organised by Generation Schools, brought together sporting legends from rugby, cricket, and football in a show of unity for youth upliftment through sport and education. A highlight of the day was a celebrity exhibition touch rugby match, sponsored by GAC Motors and NutriTech, which served as a fundraiser. The funds raised through this auspicious event, in conjunction with Kensio House’s generous contribution, made it possible to sponsor Atarah’s placement.