The program remembered Fethullah Gülen, a thinker and intellectual known internationally for his contributions to education and humanitarian service, while creating space for participants to reflect on themes including education, service, dialogue, compassion and social responsibility.

Youth Leadership at the Heart of the Program

The evening was led and shaped by young people.

GRFS Youth members organized the gathering and contributed through speeches, personal reflections and letters, as well as readings from Fethullah Gülen’s poetry.

Through these contributions, youth explored how education, service, responsibility and compassion can translate into meaningful involvement in their communities.

This youth-led approach reflects an important part of GRFS’s broader work: creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, express their ideas, volunteer, engage with others and take active roles in community life.

Education, Service and Dialogue

A central theme of the program was the relationship between ideas and action.

Speakers reflected on Gülen’s emphasis on education and service and discussed how values can become meaningful when they encourage people to learn, volunteer, support others and contribute positively to society.

The program also explored the role of dialogue in building stronger and more connected communities, emphasizing listening, mutual respect and constructive relationships among people from different cultural, religious and social backgrounds.

These themes connect closely with GRFS’s ongoing work in education, mentorship, youth development, intercultural dialogue, volunteerism and community engagement.

We were pleased to welcome Ünal Öztürk, Chairman of the Northern Civic Federation, who joined the gathering and shared remarks with participants.

A Special Contribution from Our Youngest Participants

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was a surprise video featuring some of our younger participants.

Children were asked questions about Fethullah Gülen, and their sincere and spontaneous responses brought both smiles and thoughtful moments to the gathering.

Their answers created a meaningful intergenerational moment and demonstrated how children and youth can bring their own perspectives to conversations about education, kindness, service and responsibility.

Creating Space for Youth to Lead

For GRFS, community programs are also opportunities to help young people develop confidence, communication skills, leadership and a sense of social responsibility.

This gathering provided young people with the opportunity not simply to attend an event, but to plan, organize, speak, write, reflect and bring members of their community together.

We thank GRFS Youth for their leadership, Ünal Öztürk for joining the program, and all of the volunteers, families, youth and community members who contributed to the evening.

Through education, mentorship, dialogue, volunteerism and youth leadership, Grand River Friendship Society continues to create opportunities for people of different generations and backgrounds to learn from one another and contribute to stronger, more connected communities.

Together, we learn. Together, we serve. Together, we build stronger communities.

The post GRFS Youth Hosts Commemoration of Fethullah Gülen appeared first on GRFS.

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.

The post Football for Learning Fall 2026: Football Program Gets Underway appeared first on GRFS.

This support will help create accessible and enriching summer opportunities for children and youth across Waterloo Region by reducing financial barriers to participation and ensuring that more young people can benefit from a positive summer experience.

Through learning-based activities, recreation, creativity, leadership development, and social connection, participants will build confidence, develop new skills, form meaningful friendships, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to @wrcommfdn for investing in the wellbeing and success of local children and youth. Their support helps create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, connect, and thrive.

Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected Waterloo Region.

The post GRFS Thanks Waterloo Region Community Foundation for Supporting Summer Opportunities for Children and Youth appeared first on GRFS.

You’ll hear from community leaders, ask questions, and meet others who care about making things better for newcomers.

Panel discussions
Real stories and open conversation
Ask your questions directly
Connect with local organizations

? Free to join — just register here to send your questions in advance:
? https://forms.gle/Y6aeRkQRZ23r9jvD6

Let’s learn, share, and build a stronger community — together.

The post A Community Dialogue Series appeared first on GRFS.