YKK HOLDING ASIA PTE. LTD. (YHA), together with YKK Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, in partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation (RMF), successfully concluded the 29th edition of the YKK ASAO Kids Football Clinic (YKK AKFC); with this year being the third time the event is being held in Sri Lanka. This year’s event was held in Colombo’s Racecourse Grounds from the 27th–29th August. Supported by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the three-day initiative reaffirmed YKK’s commitment to building sustainable futures through the power of sport.
The event was graced by distinguished guests including Mr. Kazuto Daimon, President of YKK Holding Asia; Mr. Kei Tanaka, Managing Director of YKK Lanka; Ms. Raushan Azim, General Manager of YKK Lanka; and Mr. Andrés Muntaner Borrajo, Director of Camps & Clinics of the Real Madrid Foundation, as well as representatives from the Football Federation of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Since its inception in 2007, the YKK AKFC has impacted more than 8,000 underprivileged children across 12 countries in Asia, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. This year’s edition welcomed some 300 children aged 8–17 from orphanages and underserved communities, alongside 30 Sri Lankan coaches, for an immersive experience in world-class football training.
Children were grouped by age, with younger participants (8–12 years) introduced to football fundamentals, while older children (13–17 years) developed advanced skills in strategy, discipline, and sportsmanship. Each child received a complete football kit which includes jersey, shorts, socks, boots, medal, and certificate ensuring both a professional and memorable experience.
The program’s impact extended to local coaches, who attended an exclusive professional coaches session led by the RMF trainers. This hands-on knowledge transfer equips them to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan players long after the clinic ends. To ensure continuity, all footballs and training equipment were donated to the participating NGOs and schools, reinforcing YKK’s commitment to long-term community development.
Kazuto Daimon, President of YHA, highlighted the broader mission of the initiative:
“Football is a powerful platform to inspire children, especially those with limited opportunities. Beyond the sport itself, this program teaches life skills teamwork, discipline, confidence, and respect that stay with the children long after the clinic concludes. At the same time, it builds connections, strengthens community ties and fosters unity.”
This year’s event also shone a light on the beneficiaries, including homes such as Arklow Boys Home, SOS Children’s Village Galle, and SOS Children’s Village Piliyandala, which provide shelter and opportunities to disadvantaged children.
The YKK AKFC is part of YHA’s regional CSR program, which rotates across countries in Asia to maximize outreach while ensuring lasting benefits in each community. Beyond sports, YKK Lanka continues to champion local CSR initiatives in Sri Lanka, including healthcare support projects such as the renovation of the Avissawella Base Hospital to cite one example.
Through its founding philosophy, the CYCLE OF GOODNESS® “No one prospers without rendering benefit to others” YKK remains dedicated to building a sustainable and inclusive society by supporting children’s healthy growth and development.