Right to Dream celebrated a huge milestone with the graduation of the first-ever class of student-athletes from the Egypt Academy.
Marwan, Nasser, Mazen, and Khalaf, who joined Right to Dream Egypt in 2022, are now embarking on their unique paths, each fulfilling a different dream while embodying our mission of empowering the next generation of talent both on and off the pitch.
Multiple Pathways to Excellence
The graduating class represents the diverse pathways that Right to Dream offers its student-athletes.
Marwan and Nasser have earned their places at the Right to Dream International Academy, renowned for developing elite footballers, including the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Mikkel Damsgaard, Simon Adingra, and Conrad Harder.
There, they'll continue to hone their skills on our Pro Football Pathway, undergoing rigorous development, training alongside elite talent from our academies around the world, and learning from experienced coaches and mentors who will prepare them for a potential career in pro football.
Meanwhile, Mazen and Khalaf will pursue the Education Pathway which links our student-athletes with top scholarship opportunities.
They’re set to receive world-class education at prestigious US schools: Rumsey Hall School and Indian Mountain School, respectively. Their love for football will continue to be at the core of their journey as they explore new opportunities on and off the field.
Unique Journeys, Shared Dreams
Each graduate's story is unique, but their journeys are united by a shared commitment to excellence, unwavering dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility to their teammates and communities.
Marwan reflects on his transformative journey with Right to Dream: "My journey here has prepped me for this moment. I'm especially grateful to the pastoral team for their support during our Ghana trip. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and boosted my confidence when I felt unsure. Their support made all the difference."
Nasser echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community: "This is just the beginning. It's a long road ahead, and I didn't get here on my own. I’ve learned so much from my teammates, both younger and older."
For Mazen, Right to Dream has opened up a world of possibilities: "I'm very lucky. Right to Dream gave me opportunities to go to places I've never dreamt of, like Ghana and Denmark. The experiences I've had there have been invaluable and will help me on my journey in the US. But this is just the first step towards my dream."
Meanwhile, Khalaf spoke with a sense of responsibility and pride: "I'm the first person from my community to receive such an opportunity. That's why it’s a huge responsibility and I'm determined to make everyone proud. I promise to carry the lessons and values I've learned here and carry Right to Dream with me to the US.”
Shaping the Future
But this graduation is about more than football, academics, and individual success. It's about empowering young talents to discover and pursue their passions, achieve their full potential, and become well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Mohamed Wasfy, CEO of Right to Dream Egypt, celebrates the collective effort that made this milestone possible, "this graduation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community."
“Right to Dream is transforming the football landscape in Egypt. We’re confident these graduates will travel, learn, and achieve great things and return to give back to their communities and country, and that's the true heart of our mission."
Ron Del Mont, Chief Development Officer of Right to Dream USA, echoed this sentiment, assuring the graduates of ongoing support from the Right to Dream community as they embark on their new adventures and reminding them, that they aren’t just making history for themselves; they're paving the way for a new generation of student-athletes.
"This is an incredible achievement, but don't take it for granted. Take the time to reflect and embrace the new opportunities that lie ahead. And remember, the decisions and actions you take leave the door wide open for your peers to follow you in the future."
A Legacy of Excellence
The journeys of Khalaf, Mazen, Marwan, and Nasser echo the stories of many other Right to Dream alumni who have gone to make their mark both in the football and academia worlds across the world, embodying our mission to empower talents to create their own perfect path.
From Simon Adingra shining with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League to Ousseni Bouda balancing professional football with a Stanford degree, and Joy Okonye excelling both on the field and in the classroom at Brown University.
And as we celebrate the achievements of these graduates, we're reminded of the many other young student-athletes within the Right to Dream community who're striving towards their own dreams.
Congrats, grads! We can’t wait to see where your paths lead you!
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