YKK collaborates with Spanish giants Real Madrid for its unique CSR initiative in India!

YKK Holding Asia (YHA) and YKK India Private Limited in the latest edition of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program continue to collaborate with Spanish giants Real Madrid, for their CSR initiative YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic that aims to support healthy growth of children through sports.

YKK Asia Group’s annual CSR initiative, organized across the region focuses on providing a fun and valuable experience for underprivileged children who are passionate for the game of football. The resounding success of YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic over the years has encouraged YHA to continue the project in more locations across countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

India was termed as a ‘sleeping giant of world football’ by FIFA President Sepp Blatter. He also strongly said that ‘football will not grow unless India Participates’. The world’s best football clubs have already realized this and assessed the potential in terms of talent and fan following for the game in India.

The two-day clinic will be held on November 30/December 1 in Mumbai – Close to 300 kids and 30 Coaches from the city will hone their skills at this camp.

Real Madrid Foundation coaches Pablo Gomez Revenga, Javier Garcia Torres and Ivan Garcia Sacristan will first share the club’s training methodology and techniques with the local coaches. Once the coaches are trained, they will be given a hands-on experience and assist Real Madrid coaches to conduct four clinics for kids from the city. Majority of the participating kids are from orphanages or underprivileged homes. YKK hopes to bring a once in a lifetime experience into the lives of these children in India.

Valuing the importance of constantly contributing to the society, YHA has made this as an annual event. Speaking on the occasion, Ken Nakano, President and CEO, YHA said, “It is important for YKK to contribute and work with local community. I believe that this event is a great opportunity for the children to experience enjoyment through sport as well as develop their love for sport. We want to support their growth through this initiative.”

Having run clinics for over a decade and more, the Real Madrid Foundation’s coaching team has brought their world-class techniques to millions of children passionate for football around the world. Language and cultural differences are no barriers for Pablo Gomez and his coaching team as football is a global language. The smiles on the children’s faces are the most rewarding result from their coaching activities. Pablo feels excited that YKK brought him and his team to India and is looking forward to see some talents.

“We have been part of this project since 2012 and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the warm Asian hospitality. We have also realized that there is an overwhelming support for Real Madrid as a club in India,” said Manuel Parreño, Worldwide Director of the Real Madrid Foundation’s Clinic programme and Technical Academies.

Each participant in the clinics receives a full YKK/Real Madrid Foundation kit. Furthermore, YKK donates all the footballs from the event to the participant communities. This will provide continuity of YKK CSR program and encourage these passionate children to dream and play football for years to come.

The clinic has the local support of the Indian Football Foundation, the not-for-profit initiative started by iconic Indian football player Baichung Bhutia.