Baku: More than 200 young footballers from across the Omuthiya circuit completed the week-long Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic on Friday, with Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi describing the programme as an investment in Namibia's future through sport and education.According to Namibia Press Agency, the football clinic, which started on Monday at the Omuthiya Sports Field, trained boys and girls aged between six and 14 in football techniques while promoting values such as discipline, teamwork, respect, leadership and perseverance.Speaking at the closing ceremony, Kathindi said the initiative had given participants far more than football skills. 'Over the past five days, our children have not only learned football skills but were exposed to values that are fundamental in shaping responsible citizens. Discipline, teamwork, respect, equality, perseverance and integrity are principles that extend far beyond the football field. These are values that prepare our young people to become future leaders, pro fessionals and ambassadors of our nation,' he said.Kathindi said Oshikoto was honoured to host the prestigious international youth development programme, noting that the initiative would strengthen grassroots football by establishing sustainable primary school leagues, identifying talented players and creating pathways for young athletes to compete at national and international levels. He encouraged learners to continue working hard both in the classroom and on the sports field, stressing that discipline, determination and continuous learning are key ingredients for success.Speaking at the same event, Oshikoto Regional Director of Education Hilma Nuunyango-George urged schools to continue promoting sport despite inadequate facilities. 'Sport in our schools is very important even though one of the challenges we face in Oshikoto is the lack of sports facilities. We do not have sports fields, but that should not prevent educators from ensuring that a Namibian child is prepared for the world of sport outside school,' she said. Nuunyango-George added that sport plays a critical role in keeping young people away from social ills while fostering unity.The programme concluded with participants receiving certificates of completion and each participating school receiving three football balls to support continued grassroots football development. The initiative has been implemented by the Namibia School Sport Union, in partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation and the Ministry of Education, since 2023.