Youth Empowerment Archives - GRFS Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:43:58 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://grfsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cropped-5MainTab3-32x32.webp Youth Empowerment Archives - GRFS 32 32 Do A Favour Youth Leadership Program Is Now Live https://grfsociety.ca/do-a-favour-youth-leadership-program-now-live/ https://grfsociety.ca/do-a-favour-youth-leadership-program-now-live/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:03:47 +0000 https://grfsociety.ca/?p=8758 The Do A Favour online hub is now live, connecting Waterloo Region youth in Grades 6–12 with community projects, mentorship, leadership development, volunteer hours, and recognition.

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]]> Grand River Friendship Society is pleased to announce that the Do A Favour Youth Leadership Program online hub is now live and ready to welcome community organizations, mentors, and young people across Waterloo Region.

Do A Favour empowers youth in Grades 6–12 to identify community needs, design meaningful service projects, and lead positive change. Through teamwork, mentorship, and hands-on experience, participants build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, form new friendships, and create stronger connections across diverse communities.

Youth-Led Ideas with Real Impact

Youth self-registered to form teams of five to eight members with each team consisting of one mentor or advisor thereto guide or support the team. Young people move from identifying a need to planning and delivering a project, documenting its impact, and sharing their story.

  • Middle School Division: Grades 6–8
  • High School Division: Grades 9–12
  • Team size: 5–8 youth
  • Support: One mentor or advisor per team

Every participant receives a Certificate of Achievement, verified volunteer hours, and community leadership recognition. Outstanding projects will also be recognized in both age divisions, with awards ranging from $450 to $1000.

The 2026 Do A Favour Journey

  • September 8: Registration opens
  • September 26: Registration closes and mentor orientation takes place
  • October–November: Teams put their community projects into action
  • November 22: Final project submissions are due
  • November 28: Youth achievements are celebrated at the Community Impact Gala

The new Do A Favour page brings together full program details, participation requirements, frequently asked questions, registration access, and the Team Portal in one place.

Explore the Do A Favour Program Register Your Community Organization

Helping Young People Turn Ideas into Action

Do A Favour is an initiative of Grand River Friendship Society. By giving youth meaningful responsibility, practical guidance, and a platform to share their achievements, the program supports civic engagement and encourages a new generation of community leaders.

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]]> https://grfsociety.ca/do-a-favour-youth-leadership-program-now-live/feed/ 2 Football for Learning Summer Soccer Program Begins with 200 Participants https://grfsociety.ca/football-for-learning-summer-soccer-program-begins/ https://grfsociety.ca/football-for-learning-summer-soccer-program-begins/#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2026 04:45:29 +0000 https://grfsociety.ca/?p=8626 More than 100 children and youth participated in the first Football for Learning summer soccer training sessions delivered by GRFS Sports Academy, enjoying soccer, friendship, teamwork, and learning in a welcoming environment.

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The Football for Learning Summer Soccer Program has officially begun. After two weather-related postponements, GRFS Sports Academy successfully held its first training sessions last Thursday and Friday, welcoming 200 children and youth.

A Safe and Welcoming Start

The program was initially postponed when local fields were closed because of heavy rain and the risk of lightning. The following week, training was delayed again when wildfire smoke affected local air quality. The safety and well-being of participants, families, coaches, staff, and volunteers remained our highest priority throughout these decisions.

When conditions improved, the Football for Learning Summer Soccer Program began in beautiful weather and a positive, welcoming atmosphere. 200 children and youth joined the opening sessions while families completed registration, met the program team, and learned more about the summer schedule.

Learning and Growth Through Sport

Participants enjoyed meeting their coaches and teammates, developing their soccer skills, staying active, and having fun together. The energy, enthusiasm, and friendship displayed on the field created a wonderful beginning to the summer program.

Delivered through GRFS Sports Academy, the program combines soccer with education, mentorship, teamwork, leadership development, confidence, and belonging. These experiences help children and youth build practical skills, form positive connections, and feel supported within their community.

Learn more about the Football for Learning initiative and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Explore details about the GRFS summer soccer program.

Thank You to Our Program Community

We sincerely thank all families, coaches, volunteers, staff members, and young participants who helped make the opening sessions such a success. Their patience through the weather delays and their enthusiasm at the field made the first week especially meaningful.

We look forward to a summer filled with learning, friendship, growth, healthy activity, and memorable experiences for every participant.

Children practising soccer skills during the GRFS Football for Learning summer program.
Young participants build soccer skills together during the opening GRFS summer training session.

Children resting together on the field during a GRFS summer soccer training session.
Participants take a short break during the first Football for Learning summer soccer session.

Young soccer participants listening to instructions during the GRFS Football for Learning program.
Children listen and prepare for the next activity during their summer soccer session.

Children and youth completing a soccer dribbling drill on a sunny field.
Participants develop ball-control skills through a guided dribbling activity.

Families and more than 100 young participants gathered for the GRFS summer soccer opening.
Families, coaches, volunteers, and participants gather for the program’s opening session.

GRFS summer soccer field beside a FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund grant recipient banner.
The Football for Learning program is supported through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Families checking in beside GRFS and FIFA Education Fund banners at summer soccer training.
Families connect with the GRFS program team during registration for the opening sessions.

Coach addressing children and families at the opening GRFS Football for Learning soccer session.
A coach welcomes participants and families before summer soccer activities begin.

More than 100 children and youth gathered for the GRFS Football for Learning summer soccer program.
More than 100 young participants joined the opening Football for Learning sessions.

Families watching children and youth participate in GRFS summer soccer training.
Families support young participants during the opening Football for Learning training session.

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