New & Stories | Go Green Youth Centre

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

March 18, 2026

On Saturday, March 14, Leaders-in-Training (LITs) accepted for our 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp gathered at Valley Park Middle School for a day of mentorship, activity-based learning and camp training. Typically between the ages of 14 and 16, LITs shadow GGYC Coaches to gain hands-on experience. This program offers an excellent opportunity to earn volunteer hours, meet new people, and gain exposure to a work setting while developing essential leadership skills.

Elevating Our Coaches: Highlights from GGYC’s March 2026 Personal Development & Staff Training Day

March 13, 2026

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.

Shine On & Off the Field: GGYC x The King’s Trust Canada

March 10, 2026

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 .

Beyond the Neighbourhood: GGYC Leaders Explore the Labs at York University

January 21, 2026

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.

From Coach to Head Coach: Sophia’s 5-Year Journey

January 16, 2026

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.

GGYC Celebrates Financial Literacy Month with YNAB Partnership

November 30, 2025

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!

Announcing Abeir Liton as Director, Philanthropy & Impact

November 19, 2025

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.

Winners of the Bondar Challenge: ‘Details of a Dandelion’ and ‘Huddled in a Flower’

November 3, 2025

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.

Go Green Youth Centre award certificate.

Recognizing Impact: GGYC Named One of Toronto’s Community Champions

May 27, 2025

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.

TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Donates $20,000 to Support Youth-Led STEM Program

May 15, 2025

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.

Announcing Michael Ma as Executive Director

April 14, 2025

"As a proud former student of Valley Park Middle School, I’m honoured and humbled to now be in a position to give back to the community that helped shape me. I understand the challenges many our youth face, and I’m committed to continuing the work and making a positive difference." – Michael Ma

From Participant to Leader: Mashhood’s 9-Year Journey

April 9, 2025

My family immigrated to Canada from South Asia when I was 8 years old for a better life. Try to imagine a first generation child trying to fit into a new and unfamiliar reality as his parents go through the same experience. It’s really hard when you’re in a different country.