David Sidoo Featured on Yahoo Finance | Empowering Youth Through Sport and Scholarship

VANCOUVER, BC, May 22, 2025 — In a powerful moment of impact and inspiration, David Sidoo, philanthropist, community advocate, and former CFL athlete, awarded two standout youth athletes with $2,000 scholarships at the KidsPlay Foundation Gala — an event that brought together changemakers and young leaders to celebrate grassroots sports and mentorship. The story, which highlights the work of the Sidoo Family Giving Foundation, was featured on Yahoo Finance, showcasing the national importance of empowering youth through community investment.

Fueling Dreams with Purpose

The scholarships, funded by David Sidoo, were awarded to Birpartap Bhander and Simreet Badhesha, two of British Columbia’s most promising young soccer talents training with Supra Academy.

  • Birpartap Bhander has represented Canada at top international tournaments like the Heston Cup and Rotterdam Cup, earning praise for his leadership, consistency, and international success as a core player at the Achieve Performance Centre.
  • Simreet Badhesha is breaking new ground as the only female athlete selected to play on several all-boys Supra Academy travel teams. Now playing a year up for Surrey FC’s BCSPL squad, she was recently scouted by the Vancouver Whitecaps REX Talent Identification Program, highlighting her rapid rise in Canadian soccer.

Scholarships That Break Barriers

These $2,000 scholarships cover vital expenses such as elite training, travel, and development opportunities. More than financial assistance, they are a symbol of belief — in potential, resilience, and future leadership.

“Scholarships like this remove barriers and open doors,” said David Sidoo. “They help young people pursue greatness and become future leaders.”

A Vision for Long-Term Impact

In his keynote speech, David Sidoo emphasized the broader impact of grassroots sports:

“Supporting grassroots programs isn’t just about funding sports. It’s about building stronger communities, one young leader at a time.”

This belief fuels the mission behind the Sidoo Family Giving Foundation — to invest in people, uplift communities, and build legacies of opportunity.

About David Sidoo

David Sidoo is a Vancouver-based philanthropist, entrepreneur, and former CFL player who has committed more than two decades to supporting youth, education, and grassroots sports across Canada. Through the Sidoo Family Giving Foundation, he funds scholarships, mentorship programs, and community sports initiatives that empower the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about David’s work and the foundation’s impact:
👉 Visit Sidoo Family Giving Foundation