Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS) recently hosted a special community event to introduce its Football for Learning: Newcomer Youth Education & Empowerment Program, supported through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
GRFS is one of only 27 organizations worldwide, representing 10 countries, selected to receive funding through the inaugural FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund from a highly competitive pool of more than 3,500 applicants from around the world.
The event brought together community leaders and elected officials, including MP Tim Louis, MP Bardish Chagger, MPP Aislinn Clancy, Acting Mayor Jason Deneault, Regional Councillor Stephanie Goertz, Green Party Mike Morrice, and other community stakeholders.
Guests received a comprehensive presentation on the Football for Learning program and its anticipated educational, social, and athletic impact on children and youth across the Waterloo Region.
The initiative uses football as a tool for education and youth development, helping participants build teamwork, leadership, communication, confidence, social responsibility, and other essential life skills. In addition to football activities, the program includes academic tutoring, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities designed to support newcomer and underserved youth.
During the presentation, organizers highlighted the significance of GRFS being selected among only 27 organizations worldwide and emphasized the importance of investing in local youth through innovative education and sport-based programming.
Following the formal program, guests joined children and youth for a friendly soccer match. The activity provided an opportunity for community leaders and participants to connect on the field while demonstrating the unifying power of sport.
The event also featured a congratulatory message from former NBA player and human rights advocate Enes Kanter Freedom, who visited GRFS several years ago. In his message, he expressed his support for the initiative and commended the organization for its continued commitment to empowering young people through education and leadership development.
GRFS representatives noted that Football for Learning is more than a sports program—it is an international youth development initiative that combines education, mentorship, leadership, and inclusion to help young people reach their full potential.
The organization expressed its gratitude to FIFA, Global Citizen, community partners, elected officials, and supporters whose encouragement and collaboration are helping create brighter futures for children and youth in the Waterloo Region.