YKK and Real Madrid Foundation successfully conclude Kids Football Clinic in Sri Lanka

From left: Real Madrid Foundation Head Coach Carlos Gustavo Albert Garcia, YKK Lanka General Manager Raushan Azim, Real Madrid Foundation Director – Camps and Clinics Andrés Muntaner Borrajo, YHA President Kazuto Daimon, YKK Lanka Managing Director Kei Tanaka, Real Madrid Foundation Manager – Camps and Clinics Pablo Gómez Revenga, Educational Football Program Technical Responsible Ignacio Abascal Artola

Young talents in action at the YKK Football Program

• Empowers hundreds of underprivileged children

YKK Holding Asia Pte. Ltd., (YHA), together with YKK Lanka Ltd., in partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation (RMF), successfully concluded the 29th edition of the YKK ASAO Kids Football Clinic (YKK AKFC); with this year being the third time the event is being held in Sri Lanka. This year’s event was held in Colombo’s Racecourse Grounds from the 27–29 August. Supported by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka and the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry, the three-day initiative reaffirmed YKK’s commitment to building sustainable futures through the power of sport.

The event was graced by distinguished guests including YKK Holding Asia President Kazuto Daimon, YKK Lanka Managing Director Kei Tanaka, YKK Lanka General Manager Raushan Azim and Real Madrid Foundation Director – Camps & Clinics Andrés Muntaner Borrajo, as well as representatives from the Football Federation of Sri Lanka and the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry.

Since its inception in 2007, the YKK AKFC has impacted more than 8,000 underprivileged children across 12 countries in Asia, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. This year’s edition welcomed some 300 children aged 8–17 from orphanages and underserved communities, alongside 30 Sri Lankan coaches, for an immersive experience in world-class football training.

Children were grouped by age, with younger participants (8–12 years) introduced to football fundamentals, while older children (13–17 years) developed advanced skills in strategy, discipline, and sportsmanship. Each child received a complete football kit which includes jersey, shorts, socks, boots, medal, and certificate ensuring both a professional and memorable experience.

The program’s impact extended to local coaches, who attended an exclusive professional coaches session led by the RMF trainers. This hands-on knowledge transfer equips them to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan players long after the clinic ends. To ensure continuity, all footballs and training equipment were donated to the participating NGOs and schools, reinforcing YKK’s commitment to long-term community development.

YHA President Kazuto Daimon highlighted the broader mission of the initiative: “Football is a powerful platform to inspire children, especially those with limited opportunities. Beyond the sport itself, this program teaches life skills teamwork, discipline, confidence, and respect that stay with the children long after the clinic concludes. At the same time, it builds connections, strengthens community ties and fosters unity.”

This year’s event also shone a light on the beneficiaries, including homes such as Arklow Boys Home, SOS Children’s Village Galle, and SOS Children’s Village Piliyandala, which provide shelter and opportunities to disadvantaged children.

The YKK AKFC is part of YHA’s regional CSR program, which rotates across countries in Asia to maximise outreach while ensuring lasting benefits in each community. Beyond sports, YKK Lanka continues to champion local CSR initiatives in Sri Lanka, including healthcare support projects such as the renovation of the Avissawella Base Hospital to cite one example.

Through its founding philosophy, the CYCLE OF GOODNESS “No one prospers without rendering benefit to others” YKK remains dedicated to building a sustainable and inclusive society by supporting children’s healthy growth and development.