The Fall 2026 football season of Football for Learning: Newcomer Youth Education & Empowerment Program is officially underway.
Led by Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), the 12-week Fall program has received approximately 385 registrations, bringing children and youth together through accessible sport, skill development, teamwork and community connection.
Our first indoor football sessions took place on October 2 and 3, marking an exciting start to the new season.
A Strong Start to the Fall Season
This Fall, football sessions are being delivered across several indoor locations to provide age-appropriate programming for participating children and youth.
Grade 2 and older groups began their Friday evening sessions at RIM Park, while our youngest participants — JK/SK and Grade 1 — started their Saturday program at Westheights Public School.
Later in the Fall, Friday programming is planned to continue at Cowan Recreation Centre as part of the 12-week schedule.
From the first weekend, the energy on the field reflected what Football for Learning is designed to create: a welcoming environment where young people can be active, develop new skills, make friends and feel part of a team.
Learning the Game, Building Life Skills
Our sessions are designed to go beyond simply playing matches.
Participants take part in age-appropriate activities that may include:
– warm-up and movement exercises;
– ball control and dribbling;
– passing and receiving;
– coordination and agility activities;
– skill-development stations;
– small-sided games; and
– teamwork and sportsmanship activities.
For younger participants, the emphasis is on movement, enjoyment, confidence and fundamental skills.
As students progress through the age groups, sessions provide additional opportunities to strengthen football technique, communication, decision-making and teamwork.
Most importantly, we want every participant to have the opportunity to learn and develop in a safe, respectful and encouraging environment.
More Than Football
Football for Learning is built around the idea that sport can contribute to the broader development of children and youth.
On the field, participants practise skills such as teamwork, communication, discipline, perseverance, responsibility and respect.
These qualities extend far beyond sport.
Learning to listen, work with others, respond positively to challenges and continue trying after making a mistake can contribute to confidence both on and off the field.
Our goal is therefore not only to help participants become better football players, but also to create opportunities for them to build friendships, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging.
Coaches and Volunteers Making a Difference
Our coaches, assistant coaches and volunteers are an important part of the Football for Learning experience.
Before the Fall season began, the team came together to review the program structure, age groups, coaching responsibilities, safety procedures and expectations for creating a positive environment for participants.
During each session, they support skill development, encourage participation and help ensure that every group has a structured and welcoming experience.
We are grateful for the commitment of everyone helping make the Fall program possible.
Sport and Education Working Together
Football is one part of the broader Football for Learning experience.
Alongside our sport activities, the Fall 2026 education program is also underway through a combination of in-person and online academic support.
Students are receiving support in areas including Math, English and Literacy, Science and homework, while digital learning tools are helping participants continue practising outside scheduled classes.
In just the first two weeks, students using IXL answered 12,906 questions across 525 skills.
Together, the sport and education components reflect our broader goal: supporting children and youth academically, physically and socially.
Read our Football for Learning Fall 2026 Education Program Update →
Together, We Play, Learn and Grow
The first weekend of Fall football was an encouraging beginning to the season.
Seeing children and youth step onto the field, meet their coaches, connect with teammates and begin developing their skills reminds us of the important role accessible community sport can play in young people’s lives.
We extend our sincere thanks to our students, families, coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers and program team for helping make the opening weekend a success.
Over the coming weeks, we look forward to seeing our participants continue to play, learn, build confidence and grow together.
Together, we play. Together, we learn. Together, we build stronger communities.