Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), a Baden-based grassroots charitable organization focused on youth empowerment, has been selected as one of only 27 organizations worldwide, representing 10 countries, to receive funding through the inaugural FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. More than 3,500 organizations from around the world applied to this highly competitive program.
This global recognition will help us expand access to education, mentorship, and sport opportunities for underserved and newcomer children and youth in Canada. Thank you to FIFA, Global Citizen, and all of our volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters who made this milestone possible.
Football has the power to unite, inspire and create lasting change, and through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund we are putting that power into action to invest in the future of children around the world.
These organisations are doing extraordinary work, often in the most challenging environments, to ensure children have access to education and the life skills that football provides. Together with Global Citizen, we are committed to expanding this impact and helping many more children realize their potential.
-Gianni Infantino
Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), a Baden-based grassroots charitable organization focused on youth empowerment, has been selected as one of only 27 organizations worldwide, representing 10 countries, to receive funding through the inaugural FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. More than 3,500 organizations from around the world applied to this highly competitive program.
GRFS focuses on empowering children and youth through education, mentorship, leadership development, and inclusive community programming. Based in Baden, Ontario, the organization has served the Region of Waterloo and surrounding communities since 2005 through tutoring, mentorship, summer and weekend schools, youth leadership initiatives, camps, and intercultural dialogue activities that collectively reach thousands of participants each year.
We extend our sincere thanks to FIFA, Global Citizen, and all of our volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters who made this milestone possible.
Learn more about our work and the fund here: http://globalcitizen.org/education-fund-grantees
GRFS Introduces FIFA Football for Learning Program to Regional Leaders
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.
