Right to Dream

2024 Wrapped: Building Dreams Across Three Continents! 🌟 From history-making wins on the pitch to life-changing opportunities off it, this year showed what’s possible when a global community dreams together. As we celebrated 25 years of Right to Dream, we reached incredible milestones and helped shape many stories that will continue to inspire our journey. Here’s just a glimpse of the impact we’ve made together in 2024: 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 🌍 - 4 grads representing their nations at the Africa Cup of Nations. - Simon Adingra AFCON 2023 win with Ivory Coast & Young Player of the Tournament Award 🏆🇨🇮. - Princess Marfo transfer to Bay FC. - Andreas Schjelderup 2024 Golden Boy nomination 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 💡 - First two Egypt Academy grads joining the International Academy, taking first steps towards pro career 🌟 - 5 international student-athletes securing scholarships in the US 🇺🇸 (Ghana: 3, Egypt: 2). - FCN Girls Academy sweeping titles across multiple age groups. - San Diego Academy began shaping their inaugural class through trials in San Diego and Tijuana. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 💪 - Domestic doubles for FC Masar and FC Nordsjaelland Women. - FC Masar Men promotion to Egypt’s Second Division B 🥇 - FC Masar Women winning bronze at the CAF Women’s Champions League 🥉 - FC Nordsjaelland making UEFA Women's Champions League debut - FC Nordsjaelland becoming first Scandinavian team invited to the Premier League Cup. - San Diego FC completing their coaching staff hires & major signings on the pitch 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 🤝 - Cross-cultural exchanges between FC Nordsjaelland, San Diego FC, Ghana and Egypt academies embodying our vision of a truly global community 🌍 - Purpose Entrepreneurship’s second round empowering changemakers beyond the pitch. - Coaching Queens expansion into Egypt, empowering 12 women across Ghana and Egypt 👑 - Juan Mata joining San Diego FC Ownership Group. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻𝘀: - San Diego FC make their Major League Soccer debut. - San Diego Academy opening its doors, creating more opportunities for young talents. - With a bold vision for the next 25 years, we'll continue striving for excellence in everything we do: nurturing more young talent & empowering bigger dreams. 🚀 It’s been a year of growth, achievement, and impact. Which moment did you connect with the most? Share with us below! 👇

Women’s football deserves leaders who can shape its future. And we’re committed to nurturing them. 💪 🌍 Whether it’s through world-class development at our academies in Ghana, Denmark and Egypt, opportunities at our clubs FC Nordsjaelland and FC Masar, or initiatives that empower women in football, we’re creating pathways where women can lead, inspire, and thrive. One way we’re doing this? Coaching Queens. 👑 A program launched last year in partnership with The Powerhouse Project and Nike. Its mission? To empower and inspire female coaches across Africa. 🎯 The inaugural program in Ghana brought together six talented women. They gained hands-on training and mentorship to take their first steps toward earning CAF D Licenses. This year, Coaching Queens went bigger. 🚀 The second cohort welcomed 12 women, six from Ghana and six from Egypt. At Right to Dream Egypt, they participated in leadership workshops, practical coaching sessions, and expert-led mentorship. But Coaching Queens isn’t just about coaching. It’s about building a support network. 🤝 A space where women can connect with like-minded individuals who understand their journey. For us, building leadership in women’s football is about more than today. It’s about creating role models, expanding opportunities, and challenging the status quo.  🌟 And opening doors for generations to come, so every girl sees her path forward in sports. #WomenFootball #FootballDevelopment #WomenInSport

Sport has a way of connecting worlds. 🌍 FC Nordsjaelland’s visit to Besesaka in Ghana, an initiative empowering youth through boxing, education, and fashion, is a reminder of how much we can inspire & learn from one another.⚽️🥊

Over the last two posts, we’ve shared how the Right to Dream International Academy (IA) builds a solid foundation for its players and prepares them for pro football. But the impact of the IA runs much deeper. ✨ Here’s how it shapes future leaders, inspires the next generation, and pushes everyone involved to grow: 👉 “𝗔 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹” IA is a learning hub for everyone involved. Players integrate into a multicultural squad and learn from their peers and mentors, and coaches collaborate with experts like Group Head of Football Mads Davidsen and Group Technical Director Flemming Pedersen. 🤝 The lessons don’t stop. Ben calls it “a university of football”. 🏫 A place where everyone is pushing themselves to be better. “It’s important that I learn from people like this but what I also love is that I can question and challenge them,” Ben explains. 👉 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻 At the IA, there’s a powerful cycle of learning and growth. 🔄 Current players not only push each other and grow themselves, but they also mentor and inspire younger academy talents. “I enjoyed seeing the IA players eating meals with the younger players, chatting with them, and passing on knowledge from their own experiences,” says Ben. This culture of learning, responsibility and giving back creates a ripple effect and builds a community where everyone grows together. 🌱 👉 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁? With San Diego Academy on the horizon and growing talent across all academies, the IA is set to become even more competitive. ⚽ “There’s so much talent and potential. The IA squad can become hugely competitive and hopefully very productive,” Ben says. Looking ahead, Ben sees IA only getting better: “The future is bright, and IA will keep going from strength to strength.” 🌟 Missed earlier posts? Check them out here: ➡️https://bit.ly/4iknSLj ➡️https://bit.ly/3ZZGWHD Out of all the aspects we’ve explored in this series, which one resonated with you the most? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 👇 #TalentDevelopment #NextGen #Football

🌟 In part one of this series, we explored what makes the Right to Dream International Academy (IA) so unique. But how does that foundation pave the way for football’s next generation? 🚀 Here's a glimpse into the game-changing experiences at the IA that prepare them for the challenges of pro football: 👉 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 With training camps and matches around the world, players are pushed out of their comfort zones. They’re exposed to new tactical challenges and adapt to varying conditions. 🌍 This sharpens their skills and builds their confidence. “Playing against different styles, in different conditions, shapes not just well-rounded footballers, but well-rounded people,” says IA Head Coach Ben Garner. It’s growth on and off the pitch through experience. ✨ 👉 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 The IA equips players with the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to transition to pro football. “The challenges for each player could be different,” explains Ben. “Some face physical challenges, others psychological ones. We work with them at both a group level and individually on and off the pitch.” This approach ensures players aren’t just football ready. They’re mentally and emotionally prepared for the pressures of pro football. 💪 👉 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀  IA grads like Ernest Nuamah, Mohammed Kudus, and Simon Adingra inspire current players by showing what’s possible. ✨ “Their success highlights there’s a proven track record,” Ben says. This isn’t the case for many young players around the world. “In many instances, the opportunity to transition into first team and play at a young age is not there. “But with FC Nordsjaelland and soon San Diego FC, that final step is there.” It gives them a clear path for their dreams. 🌠 👉 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 A unified style of play across Right to Dream academies, IA, and pro squads, make transitions seamless. 🤝 It makes players prepared for the next level. “When IA players move into the Superliga squad or in the future into the MLS squad, they don’t have to adapt to a new style of play,” says Ben. “This is the beauty of the Right to Dream community.” Missed part one? Catch up here! 👇 http://bit.ly/4iknSLj Part three is coming soon! We’ll explore the impact of the IA, from shaping leaders to inspiring the next generation. 💬 What’s one key factor you think makes an academy player pro-ready? Share your thoughts below! #NextGen #TalentDevelopment

🌍Nine Nationalities. Three Academies. One Global Community. Countless Experiences. This is the Right to Dream International Academy (IA). It’s where the top talents from our Ghana, Egypt, and Denmark academies, and soon San Diego, come together to grow on and off the pitch. Where the journey from aspiring talent to professional begins. And where stars like Ernest Nuamah, Simon Adingra, and Mohammed Kudus sharpened their skills before stepping onto the world stage.🌟 But what makes the IA such a game-changer? What’s happening behind the scenes to shape the next generation of talent? 🔍 Let’s break it down: 👉 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 At IA, we don’t just develop players. We build connections. 🤝 Understanding each player’s background, culture, and values is key. IA Head Coach Ben Garner emphasizes the importance of a diverse staff team from Ghana, Egypt, Denmark, the US, and England: 🌐 “We want each player to be themselves and create psychological safety as a group.” During the ongoing Egypt camp, Ben met the families of IA’s first Egyptian players: “Meeting their families & seeing them in their own environment here in Egypt is really helpful.” 👉 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 Bringing together diverse players isn’t a challenge. It’s our edge.💪 “Our players learn and push each other,” says Ben. “Integration across different cultures makes us stronger.”💡 This diversity shapes players who are adaptable, resilient, and deeply respectful of the world around them. Qualities that extend far beyond the game. 🚨 Stay tuned for part 2, where we dive into how the IA prepares players for the next step in their careers. 💬 How important is it for young players to experience diversity early in their careers? How can it give them an edge on and off the pitch? Drop your thoughts below! 👇

First Appearance. First Medal. Fair Play. FC Masar returned from their debut CAF Women’s Champions League campaign with a bronze medal. And the Fair Play Award. 🥉🏆 The first-ever continental medal for Egyptian women’s football. 🇪🇬 “For a program that’s only two years old to make it this far is a dream come true,” says Mariam Abouhegazy, Head of Women & Girls at Right to Dream Egypt. But this victory isn’t just about FC Masar. It’s about what it sets in motion. The inspiration it sparks for the next generation. And the ripple effect it has on women’s football. 💫 “It gives hope to other teams to invest in women's football and solidifies Right to Dream's mission on gender equality,” said Mohammed Wasfy, CEO of Right to Dream Egypt, highlighting the crucial role of the investment and support from Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour and Man Capital CEO Loutfy Mansour. And for the young girls in our academies, this win is personal. Every day, they see their future reflected in the success of FC Masar. A team with an average age of 20.6, where their youngest player is just two years older than our oldest academy player. The gap has never felt smaller or more achievable. “They've role models that have shown them that their dreams are possible,” says Mariam. “The standard has been raised, and they’ll keep pushing forward." It's a defining moment for what we’re building at Right to Dream. 🧱 And while the bronze medal puts FC Masar on the map of world football, for Wasfy, the impact runs deeper. “For me, the Fair Play Award means even more than the bronze. It reflects the environment we’ve built at Right to Dream Egypt.” This balance between success and character is at the core of the Right to Dream mission. 🎯 “It’s a key pillar of what we teach our student-athletes on and off the pitch,” adds Mariam. "Staying true to their values, even at the highest competitive level and under pressure, is the biggest reward.” What’s next? Competing in the Champions League every year. And becoming a hub for women’s football in Africa. 🌍 “FC Masar will become a steppingstone for players into other top leagues around the world," Wasfy adds. "This fits perfectly with the Right to Dream ethos- partner, nurture, connect.” 🤝 And there’s another milestone ahead. “If we win the next edition, we’ll play in the 2026 FIFA Women's Club World Cup,” Wasfy shares. “That's where we want to be.” It’s a cycle that keeps growing stronger, from one generation to the next. 🌟 #CAFWCL2024 #WomenFootball

Juan Mata joins San Diego FC Ownership Group as a Club Partner! Juan Mata’s partnership with San Diego FC is the next step in a long-standing relationship with our community. 🤝 “The biggest motivation to be part of the San Diego project is my relationship with Right to Dream.” – Juan Mata García. As a long-time supporter of the Right to Dream community, this new chapter strengthens our shared commitment to using football for positive social impact. Juan believes in our model. 💡 He describes it as “best practice in the football industry.” And he's experienced it first-hand. 🙌 From visiting Right to Dream academies in Egypt and Denmark to training with the team and engaging with young talents about using sports to drive societal change, the Spanish international football legend and World Cup champion is fully aligned with the values and impact of our model. “The way Right to Dream approaches education on and off the pitch, character building, and the game is unique,” Juan explains. “The commitment of both this Club and Right to Dream to community impact, excellence, and a vision for long-term success aligns perfectly with my own values.” Juan’s commitment to making a difference is further reflected in his work with Common Goal. The initiative he founded to harness the power of football for social change. ✨ Common Goal members, including Juan, donate 1% of their income to social causes. With Common Goal also being a partner of Right to Dream, the alignment of purpose is undeniable. “Juan has been an active and long-term supporter of Right to Dream, and he shares our values of wanting to use football to deliver long-term social impact and change.” – SDFC Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour. For us, this partnership goes beyond football. It’s about creating lasting impact through collaborating with like-minded individuals who share our values. Juan’s words capture it best: 👌 “Football is much more than just a sport; it’s an educating sport for life. I'm really focused on success that’s off the pitch, the impact in the community and the feeling of belonging.” His perspective and leadership, on and off the field, is exactly the kind of impact we strive for. We’re excited to continue this journey together! 🌟

Brown University accepts just 5% of applicants. A tough challenge for anyone. Yet Right to Dream grad Joy Okonye is one of the few who made it happen. ✨ Joy, a standout student-athlete from Nigeria, graduated from Right to Dream Ghana Academy in 2019. Through our International Student Pathway, she joined Canterbury School. Now, she’s thriving at Brown University, an Ivy League School (Class of 2027). She is one of many Right to Dream grads excelling through the unique opportunities within our International Student Pathway, designed to support both educational and athletic dreams at the highest level. ⚽🎓 International Student Pathway Explained ✍ For 25 years, Right to Dream has created pathways for talented student-athletes to grow, not only on the pitch but in every aspect of life. The International Student Pathway is a key part of this mission. 🎯 Through partnerships with top educational institutions in the US and UK, we connect high-achieving boys and girls who excel academically and show strong character with scholarships that support their academic and athletic potential. And with our network of staff, host families, volunteers, and alumni, we ensure each journey—like Joy’s—is safe, supported, and full of opportunity. 🌟 Milestones From The Journey So Far: 📚 95 international student-athletes have taken part in the pathway since 2004. ⚽ 19 pathway alumni have gone on to pro football careers, including Shakur Mohammed, a Duke University grad now with Orlando City SC. 🤝 73 partner institutions (53 colleges/universities, 20 high schools) provide access to world-class education and football training. The stories of Joy and many others in our community show just how far young talent can go with the right opportunities, support, and determination. 🎥 Watch The Joy of Dreams and see how our student-athletes like Joy are reaching their full potential. 🔗 in comments.

A Historic Moment for FC Masar & Right to Dream ✨ Egyptian side FC Masar, part of the Right to Dream community, are making their CAF Women’s Champions League debut today. 🇪🇬 🌍 This young team, with an average age of just 20.6, is ready to grow and learn through this new challenge, just as they’ve done over the past few years. In just three years: - 2022/23: First season in Egypt's top-flight 🔝 - 2022/23: Egypt Women’s Cup Champions 🏆 - 2023/24: Domestic Double Champions ✌️ - And today, they’re competing on Africa’s biggest stage. 🚀 They are setting a new standard for excellence. A benchmark for growth. Proving the potential of women’s football and what’s possible when young talent is empowered with the right resources, environment, and opportunities. 🌱 Match Schedule: • November 10: vs. Mamelodi Sundowns 🇿🇦 • November 13: vs. Edo Queens 🇳🇬 • November 16: vs. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 🇪🇹 The journey won’t be easy. But growth happens here, both on and off the pitch, in the face of tough competition, and against the best. 💪