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

Thank you to all our partners, donors and community members who contributed to our Summer Sports & Education Camp 2026! "I want to say thank you for what you do. You are investing in the children's mental health, confidence and future." "This camp motivates me to keep pursuing to be a better version of myself, so that I can have the same impact for the younger campers as I once had being a participant." "A memorable moment that will stay with me forever is seeing my group as the underdogs win against much older opponents in soccer. Overall my campers positive attitude throughout the whole camp made it an experience I will never forget." "One camper who barely spoke up at the start ended up asking to help lead warm-ups by the end of camp small moment, but it meant a lot." "Honestly this whole summer camp has been such a special moment for me from meeting new people to doing different activities everyday."

On Friday, July 17, 2026, we were pleased to welcome Mayor Olivia Chow for a meet-and-greet with our youth and team at Thorncliffe Park Public School. It was a great opportunity to discuss issues affecting local youth and explore ways to collaborate. Thank you, Mayor Olivia Chow, for taking the time to visit us and connect with our youth and team!

Before welcoming our campers for our 2026 Summer Sports & Education Camp 2026, our coaches and Leaders-in-Training spent time gearing up to deliver the safest and most impactful experience possible. Throughout June 2026, our team engaged in hands-on workshops covering First Aid, safe play, youth mental health support, and career-building skills. A ​special thank you to The King’s Trust Canada, Jack.org, and ​Dr. Lauren Wolman​ for sharing their expertise and empowering our team!

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.