Elevating Our Leaders-in-Training (LITs): Highlights from GGYC’s March 2026 LIT Training Day

On Saturday, March 7, the Go Green Youth Centre (GGYC) team gathered at Valley Park Middle School for a day of growth, connection, and preparation. This personal development and training day was designed for our current and returning coaches as they gear up for the 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp. The day went beyond typical staff training, diving deep into career exploration, leadership, and the real-world challenges our coaches face—from navigating the job market to building self-confidence.

What if we told you that the sport you love can help you build the career path of your dreams? On February 5, 2026, GGYC participants headed to the Central YMCA in Toronto for an incredible day of growth at The King’s Trust Canada’s "The Network: Shine On & Off the Field" event. Bridging the Gap: Sports x Career The day wasn't just about the game; it was about the hustle. The event focused on how the skills we build on the field—time management, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—are the exact same ones that lead to a winning career. Our youth took part in : Interactive Sessions: Hands-on activities to test their on-the-spot decision making. Networking: Connecting with other young professionals and industry leaders. Career Mapping: Discovering how a passion for sports can turn into a full-time profession. Looking Ahead: FIFA World Cup 26™ With the FIFA World Cup 26™ fast approaching, TKTC presented their partnership with Coca-Cola to rollout the Coca-Cola Future Careers (FC) Academy to young Canadians – a dynamic digital learning experience designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence to step into sports marketing and related industries. With courses led by industry leaders on different key topics, the program blends real‑world know‑how, industry connections, and insider access to help the next generation of leaders score career goals before, during, and beyond the tournament. Sign-up for the Coca-Cola Future Careers (FC) Academy here .

In a special collaboration with Connected Minds, youth from our Leaders-in-Training program visited York University to see what research looks like in practice, who it involves, and how it connects to real lives and real communities.

I was born and raised in Toronto and have spent my whole life in Flemingdon Park, and my family is Chinese-Vietnamese. My dad immigrated to Canada in the late 70s and was considered one of the boat people who fled the Vietnam War, and my mom migrated in the early 90s.

Through this collaboration, we were able to successfully distribute free YNAB licenses and financial literacy resources to the youth we work with, empowering them with a powerful tool for financial planning. We extend our sincere gratitude to YNAB for giving back to our community!

Go Green Youth Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Abeir Liton as its Director, Philanthropy & Impact, effective immediately. Abeir’s background spans strategic planning, communications, organizational development, and technology. His journey started with GGYC when he was a student at Valley Park MS.

Go Green Youth Centre’s ‘Details of a Dandelion’ wins Overall Emerald Award, with ‘Huddled in a Flower’ also a 2025 Bondar Challenge winner. We would like to thank Sophia, Michelle, and Sumaya for leading the Bondar Challenge during our 2025 Summer Sports and Education Camp.

We are proud to announce that GGYC has been selected as one of the 25 recipients of the 2025 Toronto Community Champion Awards, chosen from over 250 submissions. Congratulations to all the recipients and nominated organizations! Together, we are building a healthier, more inclusive city for everyone who calls Toronto home.

We are thrilled to announce that Go For It Youth Organization has received a Community Board Grant from TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for $20,000 to support a free, youth-led computer coding program for youth in Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park, and surrounding communities.