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.

The Fall 2026 term of Football for Learning: Newcomer Youth Education & Empowerment Program is now underway, bringing together sport, academic support and mentorship to help children and youth strengthen their skills, confidence and sense of belonging.

Led by Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), the program has already received 385 registrations for the Fall 2026 term.

The educational component has been underway for the past two weeks through both online and in-person learning, and the next stage of the program is now beginning. Starting October 2, 2026, students will also participate in indoor sport sessions at RIM Park and West High Public School, bringing the sport and education components of Football for Learning together for the Fall term.

While football creates opportunities for young people to be active, build friendships and develop teamwork, the educational component of Football for Learning is equally central to the program. Students are participating in online and in-person academic support, with learning opportunities designed to complement what they are studying at school.

Supporting Students From Grade 1 to Grade 12

Our education program provides academic support for students in Grades 1–12, with a particular focus on Math, English and Literacy, Science, homework support and foundational learning skills.

Our goal is not simply to provide additional lessons. We want students to have a supportive environment where they can ask questions, revisit concepts they may find challenging, practise at their own pace and receive guidance based on their individual learning needs.

During sessions, students may work on current school assignments, review classroom concepts, strengthen foundational skills or focus on subjects where additional practice would be helpful.

For younger students, instructors also incorporate age-appropriate activities and learning exercises designed to keep students engaged and make learning more interactive.

More Than 12,900 Questions Answered in the First Two Weeks

Technology is also playing an important role in the Fall 2026 education program.

IXL memberships have been created for the students, giving them access to structured practice across the subjects and concepts they encounter in school.

In only the first two weeks of the 12-week program, participating students have already:

• worked across 525 skills on IXL; and
• answered 12,906 questions.

These early numbers are encouraging, but for us, the value of IXL goes beyond the number of questions completed.

The platform allows students to revisit concepts, practise independently and continue learning outside scheduled instructional sessions. It also provides another way for our instructors to identify areas where students may benefit from additional support.

To encourage consistent participation and celebrate effort, Amazon gift cards will be awarded to top-performing students who complete the highest number of questions during the program.

The objective is to make practice engaging while encouraging students to develop positive and consistent learning habits.

Online Learning Provides Additional Flexibility

A portion of our students are participating in academic support through Microsoft Teams, allowing them to connect with instructors from home.

Students receiving online support participate in two sessions each week, creating additional flexibility for families while maintaining regular interaction between students and instructors.

Synchronous online classes also allow instructors to work with students on essential concepts, answer questions in real time and provide targeted support as students progress through their schoolwork and IXL activities.

By combining structured digital practice with live instruction, we are working to create a learning model that extends beyond a single weekly class.

In-Person Classes at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute

For students participating in the in-person component, classes are being held every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute.

These two-hour sessions provide students with direct access to teachers, assistant teachers and volunteers who can work with them individually and in smaller groups.

Depending on student needs, sessions may include:

• homework support;
• grade-appropriate Math practice;
• reading comprehension and vocabulary development;
• English and writing support;
• Science review;
• worksheets and targeted exercises;
• small-group instruction; and
• individual academic support.

This flexible model is important because no two students arrive with exactly the same academic needs.

Some students may need help understanding a current classroom topic. Others may benefit from strengthening foundational skills or receiving additional practice in a particular subject.

Our role is to meet students where they are and help them continue moving forward.

The Sport Component Begins October 2

The Fall 2026 program is designed to connect learning with physical activity, teamwork and positive social development.

Beginning October 2, the sport component of Football for Learning will begin at the indoor fields at RIM Park and West High Public School.

These sessions will give participating students an opportunity to learn and play football in a structured and welcoming environment while developing skills that extend beyond the game itself.

Through football, students will have opportunities to strengthen teamwork, communication, discipline, perseverance, leadership and confidence while staying physically active and building relationships with other young people.

The combination of academic support and sport is an important part of the Football for Learning approach. Students are not simply participating in separate classroom and recreation programs. Instead, we are creating a connected experience in which lessons learned through sport can reinforce the habits and personal skills that also support learning.

As the Fall term progresses, the indoor sessions at RIM Park and West High Public School will operate alongside our online and in-person educational programming, allowing students to benefit from both sides of the Football for Learning model.

Learning From Our Students and Our Teachers

The first weeks of the program are also an important learning period for our team.

Following the opening sessions, we have been meeting with our teachers and reviewing how students are engaging with the program, the range of academic needs within each group and how our two-hour in-person sessions can be used most effectively.

Teacher observations are helping us continuously refine classroom organization, instructional approaches, homework support and small-group learning.

Rather than treating the program as a fixed model, we want it to remain responsive to the students participating in it.

As the 12-week term continues, these observations will help us strengthen the educational experience and ensure that our resources are being directed where students need them most.

Teachers, Assistants and Volunteers Working Together

Our assistant teachers and volunteers are an important part of the learning environment.

They support students with homework and practice activities, work with smaller groups, encourage participation, assist teachers in the classroom, help prepare learning materials and share observations with instructors and program coordinators.

Their involvement makes it possible to provide more individualized attention while creating a welcoming learning environment for students at different grade levels and with different learning needs.

Just as importantly, we are working as a team to maintain a learning environment built on safety, respect, appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, child safeguarding and responsible communication.

Academic progress matters, but so does creating a space where children and youth feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and continuing to learn.

Football for Learning Is About More Than Football

Football for Learning was created around a simple idea: sport and education can reinforce one another.

On the field, young people practise teamwork, communication, perseverance, responsibility and confidence.

In the classroom and online, many of those same qualities help students become stronger and more independent learners.

By bringing these experiences together, we aim to support the whole young person rather than focusing on a single activity or academic outcome.

The Fall 2026 term is still in its early stages, but seeing students begin their weekly classes, log into their learning platforms, work through thousands of practice questions and build relationships with their instructors has already provided a strong start to the educational component of the program.

With indoor football sessions beginning on October 2 at RIM Park and West High Public School, the next phase of the Fall program will bring the two core elements of Football for Learning — education and sport — together in practice.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue learning alongside our students, listening to our teachers and families, and strengthening the program based on what our participants need.

We are grateful to the teachers, assistant teachers, volunteers, coaches, families and students who are contributing their time, effort and enthusiasm to Football for Learning.

Together, we are creating opportunities for young people to learn, participate, grow and belong.

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

The post Football for Learning Fall 2026: Learning Is Underway Onsite and Online appeared first on GRFS.

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As part of the community engagement activities connected to United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival, youth participants came together for another meaningful workshop focused on reflection, creativity, and positive change.

The workshop began with a simple but powerful question:

“What is one thing you would change about the world?”

Working in small groups, participants shared their thoughts and explored important issues affecting communities locally and globally. Their conversations touched on themes such as:

• Environment
• Poverty
• Education
• Bullying
• Health

Through sticky notes, group discussions, collaborative thinking, and creative expression, youth reflected on real challenges facing our world and imagined ways to build a more compassionate, inclusive, and connected future.

The workshop provided a space for young people to express their voices, listen to one another, work as a team, and transform their ideas into meaningful artistic expression.

We concluded the day by celebrating everyone’s contributions, sharing information about upcoming community events, and capturing memories together.

A sincere thank you to all the youth participants, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this workshop a success.

Every idea shared and every brushstroke painted reminded us that change begins with reflection, creativity, and the courage to imagine a better world together.

For more information : United in Voices

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As part of the preparations for United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival, a group of youth, community members, and partner organizations came together on June 13 at Kitchener Public Library (KPL) for a meaningful workshop focused on creativity, connection, and community dialogue.

Through a hands-on punch knitting workshop, participants designed and created individual squares inspired by themes of peace, hope, growth, compassion, and global community. Each piece reflected a unique voice and perspective, while also contributing to a larger collective vision of belonging, unity, and shared understanding.

This workshop offered participants an opportunity to:

• Build community through art
• Encourage dialogue and collaboration
• Learn a new creative skill
• Share ideas for a more peaceful and connected world

The activity beautifully reflected the spirit of United in Voices, where art, culture, dialogue, and community come together to strengthen inclusion and mutual understanding.

A special thank you to our partners, youth participants, volunteers, and community members from GRFS and the wider local community for making this workshop such a memorable and inspiring experience.

Together, we were reminded that even small threads can come together to create something beautiful, meaningful, and lasting.

For more information : United in Voices 

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Join Us as We Celebrate a Global Milestone!

Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS) is proud to have been selected as one of only 27 organizations worldwide, representing 10 countries, to receive funding through the inaugural FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Chosen from more than 3,500 applications submitted from around the world, this achievement is a proud moment for @grfsociety, the Waterloo Region, and Canada.

We invite our community, partners, supporters, and local leaders to join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone together.

Date: June 19, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Grand River Friendship Society

1117 Snyder’s Rd E, Baden, ON

Event Highlights:

• FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Journey
• Global Impact & Local Success Story
• Special Guest Remarks
• Group Photo
• Refreshments
• Friendly Soccer Activities with Children

Friendly Reminder: Don’t forget your running shoes. You may be invited to join the children for some friendly soccer activities!

Thank you to FIFA, Global Citizen, and everyone who believes in expanding educational opportunities for children and youth around the world.

The post FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Grant Recipient Milestone appeared first on GRFS.

This initiative will provide free artificial intelligence and data science learning opportunities to more than 1,200 youth across the Waterloo Region and Guelph, helping young people develop digital skills, critical thinking abilities, and confidence to explore future STEM pathways.

Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, AI demonstrations, and career exploration activities, we will work to make emerging technologies more accessible and inclusive for youth from all backgrounds.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Scale AI for investing in the next generation of innovators and helping create greater access to STEM education for young people in our communities.

Together, we are building a future where every young person has the opportunity to explore, learn, and thrive in the digital age.

www.scaleai.ca 

The post Scale AI Support for AI Explorers+:National Youth Access to Data Science appeared first on GRFS.

We are deeply grateful to Gloria Baylis Foundation for supporting our Youth Community Health Leadership Program.

This initiative will empower newcomer and racialized youth ages 14 to 25 through culturally responsive workshops, mentorship, and leadership activities focused on:

• Mental health literacy and wellbeing
• Nutrition and healthy lifestyles
• Physical wellbeing
• Healthcare and nursing career pathways
• Youth leadership development

Through this program, young people in the Waterloo Region will gain practical health knowledge, strengthen their confidence, and explore future careers in healthcare while becoming leaders and advocates in their communities.

Thank you to the Gloria Baylis Foundation for believing in our youth and investing in healthier, stronger, and more inclusive communities.

Learn more about Gloria Baylis Foundation: www.gloriabaylisfoundation.ca

Together, we are building brighter futures.

#GrandRiverFriendshipSociety #GloriaBaylisFoundation #YouthLeadership #MentalHealth #HealthEquity #HealthcareCareers #CommunityHealth #NewcomerYouth #RacializedYouth #WaterlooRegion #Mentorship #HealthyCommunities

The post Gloria Baylis Foundation Supports GRFS Youth Community Health Leadership Program appeared first on GRFS.

This initiative will bring together newcomer youth (ages 12–18) through a 4-part seminar series focused on:

Human rights awareness
Mental well-being and confidence
Media and communication skills
Youth leadership and community engagement

Through this program, we aim to create a safe and supportive space where young people can build confidence, understand their rights, and actively contribute to their communities.

We sincerely thank Human Rights Internet for supporting grassroots, community-driven initiatives and for investing in youth empowerment

The post Project Announcement – Empowered Voices appeared first on GRFS.