Grand River Friendship Society is pleased to announce the Fall 2026 phase of Football for Learning, supported through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Building on the summer soccer program, the new fall session will expand the initiative by bringing together two important areas of development: weekly football training and education courses.

The program will begin in the third week of September and continue until the second week of December 2026. It is designed to help children and youth stay active, strengthen academic skills, build confidence, develop leadership, and form meaningful connections in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The football component will be open to students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Participants will have opportunities to develop age-appropriate football skills while strengthening teamwork, communication, discipline, confidence, and healthy active-living habits.

The program is designed to welcome students at different skill levels and create a positive environment where children and youth can learn, participate, and grow together.

Alongside football training, Football for Learning will offer a weekly academic support program for students from Grade 1 through Grade 12.

Each participant will have access to a weekly 2-hour education session designed to provide additional learning support, strengthen academic confidence, and encourage continued progress at school.

Depending on individual learning needs, support may include:

• Homework support
• Math support
• English and ESL
• Literacy
• Science
• Learning activities
• Mentorship

Education sessions will be available through both in-person and online options, providing families with greater flexibility and accessibility.

Kindergarten students are welcome to participate in the football component; however, the academic support program begins at Grade 1.

Please note that participation in the academic support program is available exclusively to students enrolled in the Football for Learning program.

Football for Learning is completely free of charge.

By removing program fees, GRFS aims to make quality sport, academic support, and mentorship opportunities more accessible to children and families.

The program reflects an integrated approach to youth development, recognizing that important skills can be built both on the field and through learning. Football can strengthen teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, and leadership, while academic support can help students improve confidence, learning habits, and future goals.