Spanish second tier league side Real Oviedo has set base in Zimbabwe after striking a partnership with Heritage Football Academy.
This groundbreaking marriage aims to establish the Real Oviedo Heritage Football Academy, providing young Zimbabwean talents with a unique opportunity to develop their skills and reach elite levels through a holistic football and education programme.
The Heritage Football Academy is a grassroots initiative by The Heritage School in Harare where the new project will be based.
Former Warriors and CAPS United player Charlie Jones is leading this initiative with help from former Dynamos star Murape Murape, who is the head of technical and coaching in the Real Oviedo Heritage Football Academy.
"We have developed a partnership with a team called Real Oviedo. The partnership deal has been signed, it's complete, we've done all the documentation, we've done all the registrations and we are using the brand Oviedo in Zimbabwe," Jones said.
"This brand here is not like the normal brand that you see here because we're not paying a cent for it. This is a partnership where we say we can give you stuff on the table, you give us stuff on the table. So, we're having a partnership deal between the two sides where we start developing youngsters of various age groups.
"The partnership we have with Heritage School is a partnership where we establish between 20 and 30 players where we identify them then place them in the school. We will then have a boarding house, either in the school or outside the school, where these youngsters stay 365 days of the year. They will be placed at the boarding school because academics is very, very important.
"We do not want to deprive the youngsters of the academics. After lunch, he comes back, changes, then he goes for training. And if he's not doing well in his academics, he can't come for training. It doesn't matter how good the youngsters play, but the two must match. His training and his academics must match for him to stay in the programme," he added.
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The Real Oviedo Heritage Football Academy will adopt the renowned Real Oviedo methodology, which emphasises on technical development focusing on ball control, dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Tactical awareness is another key attribute which develops understanding of game situations, strategies, and teamwork as well as physical conditioning thus enhancing speed, agility, strength, and endurance, among others.
The academy will offer a football boarders programme, providing a residential environment for students to focus on their football development.
This includes intensive football training with experienced coaches, academic support and mentorship, ensuring students maintain a strong educational foundation.
There is also life skills development, emphasizing discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership
International tours especially to Real Oviedo in Spain, allowing students to compete against top-level opposition and gain valuable experience.
There will also be coaching clinics and workshops, sharing best practices and expertise; and talent identification and development, creating pathways for elite players.
"We are thrilled to partner with Real Oviedo, which shares our vision for nurturing young talent through a holistic approach," Murape said.
"This partnership will not only elevate the standard of Zimbabwean football but also provide our students with a comprehensive education, preparing them for success in all aspects of life.
"The Real Oviedo Heritage Football Academy will provide a platform for our students to showcase their talents, gain exposure, and attract opportunities for scholarships and professional contracts. We believe that this partnership will have a profound impact on the development of Zimbabwean football and provide a brighter future for our young talents."
"Our academy will focus on producing well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the pitch. We will place a strong emphasis on discipline, hard work, and teamwork, as these values are essential for success in football and life."
Real Oviedo International Department representative James Harriman confirmed the partnership.
"It is a privilege and honour to be able to announce this new partnership between our club and Heritage And be able to contribute in a positive way to support the work that the school has been doing to help the kids to develop," he said.
"And with this partnership we hope to be able to give new opportunities to the kids to train and develop not only in Zimbabwe but also here in Spain with us with a working methodology which has a proven track record of helping young people and kids to develop their skills and to progress as footballers."
The academy will forge partnerships with other schools from in and outside Harare in terms of recruitment of players.
There is potential of a tour to Real Oviedo in Spain later this year.
