In a world where change is often spoken about but seldom lived, GAC South Africa is proving that actions speak louder than words. In partnership with the Generation Schools, GAC is proud to sponsor 9-year-old Tyler Swarts, a rising football talent whose quiet determination embodies the spirit of Real Change.
Tyler, a soft-spoken yet unstoppable young athlete, was selected for the prestigious Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme in partnership with Generation Schools. His humility, discipline, and relentless drive make him a powerful symbol of the kind of future GAC envisions for South Africa’s youth.
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As part of its commitment, GAC will be sponsoring Tyler with housing, schooling, essential nutrition, and access to the Foundation’s skills-development programme. This holistic support ensures that Tyler is not only able to pursue his passion for football but also to thrive academically, personally, and socially.
“This is not just about football, it’s about opening doors, building futures, and proving that age is no barrier to greatness,” said Bianca Naude, Public Relations Manager at GAC South Africa. “Through our ‘Go and Change’ philosophy, we wanted to create Real Change. Supporting Tyler is a way of turning those words into action.”
The Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme was established in South Africa in partnership with Generation Schools, a pioneering institution that blends international-standard education with personalised learning. Together, they deliver a unique model that combines the Real Madrid football methodology and training practices with academic excellence, values-based mentorship, and emotional development. Already impacting more than 140 children across Cape Town and Johannesburg, the programme is designed to not only educate young players, but great people.
“Tyler represents the best of what South Africa’s next generation can be disciplined, humble, and hungry to grow,” said Jevron Epstein, CEO of Generation Schools and Head of the Real Madrid Foundation South Africa. “When brands like GAC stand behind these young athletes, it proves that sport has the power to unlock leadership, resilience, and hope.”
For Tyler, the opportunity is a dream in motion. “I want to work hard and make my family proud. Football makes me happy, and now I can learn and grow every day,” he said.
Whether training, competing, or daring to dream beyond the field, Tyler is already inspiring his peers with the simple truth: real leaders lead by example. With each pass, each goal, and each step, he is building not only his future but also showing what’s possible for thousands of other children across South Africa.
This collaboration is more than a sponsorship. It’s a testament to the belief that real stories create Real Change and Tyler’s story is just the beginning.
