FFTW Development announces new partnership with Guelph United
Football For The World (FFTW) Development is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Ontario Premier League (OPL) side Guelph United.
Guelph United was established in 2020, winning the 2021 OPL (formerly League 1 Ontario) title in their first ever campaign.
The local side provides opportunities all through the higher level of the local football pyramid, currently rostering in OPL 2, OPL 3 Southwest, and OPL U-20 on the Men's side, with the Women's teams competing in OPL 1, OPL 3 Southwest, and OPL U-20 for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Former FFTW Academy player George Fahed in a match at home against London Whitecaps during the 2025 outdoor season. Rowen Fisler/FFTW
FFTW Technical Director Alikhan Popat detailed how the collaboration represents a welcomed shift within the club.
"This partnership with Guelph United represents a major step forward for FFTW and our players. It gives our athletes a genuine opportunity... to transition into a semi-professional environment," Popat said.
FFTW Technical Director Alikhan Popat at a U10 FFTW Academy match in Kitchener, Ontario, during the 2025 outdoor season. Rowen Fisler/FFTW
Popat also described that on top of a future path for players within the FFTW Academy system, it gives Guelph United a first glance at new potential players.
"The goal is also to help Guelph United get more access to local talent in Waterloo Region and for any players looking to take that next step once they graduate from youth football," Popat said.
The partnership between the two clubs will present the opportunity for joint camps, ID showcases, and other events that will give players greater exposure to what the next level has to offer.
FFTW Academy Manager Ethan Scherer spoke about the importance of showcasing a semi-professional environment to the players well ahead of that step in their careers.
"Being around a winning organization shows players what high standards look like, it helps them adopt the habits, the mindsets, and the professionalism that leads to long-term success," Scherer said.
FFTW Academy Manager Ethan Scherer at a U11 FFTW Academy match in Kitchener, Ontario, during the 2025 outdoor season. Rowen Fisler/FFTW.
Guelph United is partnered with the University of Guelph, giving players not only the ability to play in OPL, but in the post-secondary system through Ontario University Athletics (OUA).
To Scherer, having experience with a club such as Guelph United would only strengthen a players ability to navigate the post-secondary level.
"Competing in a structured high-performance environment such as Guelph United prepares them for the demands and expectations that any player would have at a post-secondary program," Scherer said.
Guelph United GM Keith Mason said that the club is excited to expand their local network through the partnership and that it gives talented players "a clear pathway" to OPL.
FFTW is excited to see this relationship with Guelph United blossom, with new joint events and programs to be determined and announced.
Forever Moving Forward!