Atarah Goodheart’s Kick-Off From Ocean View to Real Madrid

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. Photo Credit: Supplied

8-year-old Atarah Goodheart from Ocean View earned a full scholarship with the Real Madrid Foundation, balancing sports and education.

Cape Town, South Africa (05 August 2025) – In the heart of Ocean View, Cape Town, an eight-year-old football star is making waves and getting incredible recognition.

Atarah Goodheart is a bold and exceptionally talented young girl who has just been awarded a full sponsorship to join the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme. Alongside this opportunity, she will continue her schooling at Generation Schools Imhoff. Making this a perfect blend of sport and top-tier education.

Atarah is not just another kid on the field. She is the only girl in her club’s under-8 A-team, consistently making the starting line-up. Off the field, she is equally impressive, one of the top academic achievers in her grade at her local school in Ocean View. Now, with this unique opportunity, she is set to soar both academically and athletically.

This game-changing sponsorship was made possible by Kensio House Therapeutic Academy, a school focused on creating the right environment for learners to thrive. Their mission is simple, and that is to unlock potential. It’s safe to say Atarah’s talent made it an easy choice.

Backing her journey is former Proteas cricketer and Director of Kensio House, Steven Palframan, and Co-Founders Siobhan Laubscher and Kendal Pietersen.

“Atarah’s passion and determination are clear, and I believe strongly in the importance of creating meaningful pathways for young people to succeed,” said 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.”

Atarah Goodheart receiving her sponsorship from Steven Palframan, Director, Kensio House, and Brett Garner, Head of Campus, Generation Schools Imhoff.

This moment marks more than just a win for Atarah; it is a celebration for girls in sport across the country. In a sport like football, which has long been dominated by young boys, it is refreshing and empowering to see a rising star like Atarah changing the game. Her journey is helping shift the narrative.

“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.

The official handover happened in late July at a vibrant sports day hosted by Generation Schools. Sports legends from rugby, cricket, and football joined in. Thanks to the sponsorships from GAC Motors, NutriTech, and community fundraising, the event raised the final funds to make Atarah’s dream a reality.