How Wilfrid Laurier University helped shape FFTW
Long before any of the academy teams kicked about in The Hub at evening practices or any child in the seasonal programs/camps put on a FFTW shirt, the idea of a football academy and a not-for-profit were brought together by three individuals connected through one institution; Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU).
Technical Director and Owner Alikhan Popat met Clyde D'Souza and Nibin Thomas during their time at the university through their programming in the business sector alongside different pick-up soccer events and a shared love for the beautiful game.
(Pictured L-R) Clyde D'Souza, Alikhan Popat, and Nibin Thomas at the FFTW Hub.
After graduating from WLU, the lads went their separate ways. Popat went to London (UK), D'Souza to Calgary, and Thomas south of the border. Popat's time abroad was especially enlightening, inspiring the Football For The World Foundation.
"It was during my three-month coaching stint in India with Arsenal FC that the idea for Football for the World began. It started as a not-for profit... where we deliver football equipment, renovate soccer fields, run leagues and training programs for youth in need, mainly in Uganda and Jamaica," Popat said.
When Thomas was approached by Popat with the idea during his time in India, they knew it was time to go all-in.
The Football for the World Foundation was created shortly after in 2012 and a couple of years later, the boys brought the game back to home soil.
"By 2014, when we were both back in Canada, we wanted to turn this passion into a living," Thomas said.
"We launched our first summer camp in Kitchener for $100 per week. It was nerve-wracking... handing out flyers, asking parents to trust us... but it worked," Thomas said.
Alikhan Popat and Nibin Thomas at one of the first FFTW camps, which including former FFTW player and current FFTW coach Marko Malidzanovic.
From there, the motto "Forever Moving Forward" was proven right, as the three haven't looked back since.
To D'Souza, their success was never in doubt.
"It was the years of friendship with Nibin and Ali that provided me with the self-belief that FFTW would be a success. Their hard work, patience, and dedication have provided the business with a solid base to grow each and every year since," D'Souza said.
Alikhan Popat coaching at FFTW programming.
Ever since, FFTW has grown into a leading force throughout Waterloo Region and beyond, with everything from academy teams to seasonal programs.
Popat believes the bond that created and started the journey is the one that has kept it going all this time.
"It has been an incredible journey to get where we are today, and I have Nibin, Clyde, and many others to thank along the way. It truly takes a village to build a family like FFTW... we look forward to the future and what comes next," Popat said.
More information on this story can be found through Laurier's alumni website.