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CBC
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Kicking it old school: Why these childhood friends never want to stop playing soccer together
CBC Ottawa's Creator Network is a place where young digital storytellers from diverse backgrounds can produce original video content to air on CBC and tell stories through their own lens. Victories. Losses. Injuries, career changes, moves, fatherhood. Over their more than a decade on the pitch, "No New Friends" soccer players have seen it all, says longtime player and co-organizer Nick Pouponneau. He attributes the 60-minute Ottawa Footy Sevens soccer league games to helping him and other players navigate life both on and off the field. "No matter what happens, it's always going to be there for me, whether we win, whether we lose," Pouponneau said. "Soccer to me … it's a way of life." Pouponneau decided to profile the longtime team and explore how the sport has shaped its members in a video for CBC Ottawa's Creator Network. Decades later, childhood soccer friends still kicking it on No New Friends soccer team 4 minutes ago Wins, losses, broken ankles, breakups and moves: Players on longtime team say they've seen it all, and wouldn't miss their weekly games, in video for CBC Ottawa's Creator Network. Old friends and foes "Everything's happened, right? There've been breakups, there've been new jobs, they've been marriages," said longtime player Dominic Goss about the team, which came together over a decade ago from a group of friends who'd been who'd been playing — or against each other — since they were boys. "I mean, it's been life, right? [That] happened in the meantime." When soccer scholarships and degrees wrapped, the childhood buddies found themselves back in the city, at loose ends and looking for a way to bring serious soccer back into their lives, said Pouponneau. The name references a Drake song from that era. "We called ourselves No New Friends because we just had known each other for so long that it's like, 'Oh, we don't need new friends," said Pouponneau. He joked it's ironic because these days, players struggle to balance soccer and other commitments, and they often need new friends — especially those with younger legs — to pick up the slack. Soccer bonds and life plans But Goss said the teammates' history starts much earlier, back when soccer wasn't as popular in Ottawa, and the tight-knit community, many of them new to the country, often crossed paths at the gym at St. Patrick's High School. "Soccer was very much a sport played by immigrants and the kids of immigrants," recalled Goss, whose family immigrated from South Africa. He recalls his Canadian-born school friends tended to play hockey. "So it was a great bonding experience [for newcomers] that I think was necessary for a lot of people who maybe otherwise could have felt like outsiders." "We came to Canada in 1995 … from a war-torn country, and then one of the ways I made friends ... was through soccer," confirmed longtime player Francis Mavula, whose family came from Burundi, and whose brother also plays on the team. Mavula said soccer went on to shape the course of his life. After dreaming of becoming a professional player, he scored a soccer scholarship and went on to captain the men's team at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. "Soccer has had such a huge impact on my life. I think outside of my parents, it's been the biggest influence in who I am," he reflected, adding that he remains in touch with teammates despite being sidelined this season by a broken ankle. The sport also had a big impact on Pascal-Olivier Ouandji, who joined the team more recently. Raised in Cameroon and Kenya, he moved to southern France as a teen to pursue serious soccer at a high school affiliated with a soccer club, later coming to Ottawa with a plan to pursue sports journalism. "I was so obsessed with sports and [soccer] in particular that I kind of planned my whole life around it," said Ouandji, who like many of the players now works for the federal government and also makes music. More than just a game As they got older, many of the players say they struggled with balancing their love of the game with adult responsibilities. But for some, that made the team even more important. "I'm 39 years old. I have a two-year-old daughter now," said player Aras Tahir, who grew up with this group. "It's kind of hard to keep in touch with people, and soccer is our way." Pouponneau said he, too, is grateful for the weekly excuse to connect. "We always have these long goodbyes at the end of the game in the parking lot, and we're walking out and they're shutting off the lights in the facility," he said, explaining it's a chance to catch up on everything from kids to sleep patterns, to more serious topics. "A lot of times you'll see guys hang back and have those more deep conversations from, like, 'Hey, I'm really struggling with XYZ thing,' or, 'I'm feeling stressed about work.' Just get advice from that kind of brotherhood perspective." Now that many of the players have become dads themselves, they say the team's weekly games are a way to pass on that passion for sport and time with friends to the next generation. But despite the increasingly family feel of the weekly games and the age of the longtime players, they stress that competition is still fierce. "That's what's so great about sports. It's a continuous challenge, and especially as you get older, the challenge changes, and ... gets more difficult as well, right?" said Goss. The team was league champion last year and is in the playoffs again this season. "I mean, you know what these young guys are like. They can just run and run for days, which is not something that any of us are capable of, and as a result we rely heavily on our experience." Soccer on film Pouponneau, who now works in the fitness technology field, said he teamed up with filmmakers Pearly Pouponneau, his partner, and Evan Hartling to tell this story as a tribute not just to his childhood friend group, but to other longtime teams and groups he's seen over the years. "I think that there's a lot of versions of No New Friends out there... guys that are playing together week in week out," he said, adding that he was pleased to learn through this project just how important the team has become. "It was just a bunch of friends getting together once a week, and we didn't know where that would lead to. But it's just kind of continued for over 10 years now, where we're still doing it," reflected Mavula with a laugh. "People get older, people get hurt ... life gets complicated. I want us to just keep it going. I want us to play as long as we can," added Goss. "I can't understate the importance of how soccer shaped the trajectory of my life," said Pouponneau. "When you meet people who get it ... they get it, you know?"
CBC
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Trek to Uranium City finds abandoned buildings and diehard residents
Social Sharing CBC Saskatchewan's Creator Network is a place where young digital storytellers from diverse backgrounds can produce original video content to air on CBC and tell stories through their own lens. Get in touch or pitch your own story here. In the 1950s, mining of the radioactive chemical element known as uranium went into full swing in northern Saskatchewan. The Eldorado mine at Beaverlodge, just east of Uranium City, soon became the biggest employer there. Uranium City was thriving — full of families and individuals drawn by great job opportunities. At one point, more than 3,000 people called the place home. Now, just a few dozen people live there. Ken Mercredi was born in Uranium City in 1953 and says life there was great. "We had basically everything a person would want. Even out at the mine site, they had a rec hall, and they had everything in it. There was a bowling alley, a curling rink, a pool hall, big-screen TV and gyms," Mercredi said. Hard-to-reach location Uranium City sits north of Lake Athabasca, about 50 kilometres south of Saskatchewan's border with the Northwest Territories. It's a remote place that doesn't have an all-season road connecting it to other parts of the province. But the community has long fascinated explorer Felipe Gomez. Despite the distance and difficulty getting there, Gomez was determined to make the journey to Uranium City and find out who's still there, and why. He also documented his journey for a documentary for the CBC Creator Network. WATCH | Felipe Gomez travels to Uranium City to find out who still lives in the former boom town: To get there, Gomez first flew from Saskatoon to Fort Chipewyan in northern Alberta. Next was a weeklong trek across Lake Athabasca to Uranium City, skiing 170 kilometres while being battered by winds and camping in -30 C temperatures. Gomez had some help from world-renowned explorer Eric Larsen, the only man to make it to the North Pole, the South Pole and the summit of Everest in a single year. Once the pair made it to Uranium City, Larsen had to head to another expedition. But Gomez carried on, and began his quest to learn more about the former mining mecca. A short history of uranium mining The uranium industry in Canada dates to the early 1930s, but exploration didn't get going until the years after the Second World War. Deposits in northern Saskatchewan were discovered in the 1950s and the mine at Beaverlodge began production in 1953. In the 1970s, exploration resulted in major discoveries in the Athabasca Basin, and more mines started up in northern Saskatchewan in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1981, Eldorado abruptly announced it was shutting down the mine at Beaverlodge, citing increasing production costs and falling prices, according to news reports at the time. Over the next few years, Uranium City's population declined dramatically. Uncertain future in Uranium City Dean Classen remembers the day he found out the Beaverlodge mine would close. The business owner, who still lives in Uranium City, said people were devastated and had no idea what the future held. "They announced it over CBC radio that Eldorado was shutting down," Classen said. "And there were people just moving into town. There were people on flights that day that were moving in to come to the new jobs to work for the mine." The turn of events shocked the residents of Uranium City, new and old. "People who just finished buying houses or businesses or anything, they went to zero value instantly," Classen said. "It was really weird." On the upside, Classen said Eldorado Nuclear Ltd. was able to relocate people all over the world, even giving them $10,000 to move (the equivalent of almost $30,000 in today's economy) and helping them find new jobs elsewhere. And other nuclear activity continued in the province. Cameco Corp., which was formed by the merger of Eldorado Nuclear Ltd. with a provincial Crown corporation, discovered the McArthur River deposit in 1988. Mines continue to operate today, including at McArthur River and Cigar Lake, which are the largest and highest-grade mines in the world, according to the World Nuclear Association. Abandoned city Over the years, buildings in Uranium City gradually emptied out and deteriorated. Abandoned buildings are all over the community, including houses, apartment complexes and the once bustling school. The hospital stayed open until 2003, where many people who still live in Uranium City were born. Some residents say they have no plans to leave. Samantha Sidebottom grew up in Uranium City and said it was a great experience. These days, she runs a fuel business and a bed and breakfast with her husband. "I didn't have any thoughts about this being a weird place to live until I was a bit older. I choose to stay here because it's where I love to be," Sidebottom said. She said she has felt the pressure to move away, when people ponder Uranium City's future. But she said it's the land that keeps her here. "There are people here, and we're hanging on, and we don't really want to go anywhere. I'm one of them," she said. "It's my happy place."
CBC
20-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
'More than a store': What this 135-year-old shop in Bass River means to the community
Social Sharing In this piece for CBC Creator Network, Jon Claytor illustrates the story of the Dominion Chair General Store in Bass River, N.S., and its place in the community.
CBC
06-04-2025
- General
- CBC
Warmth of a welcome
Ranz Jaren Bontogon Apr. 6, 2025 In this photo essay for CBC Creator Network, Ranz Jaren Bontogon is using film photography to explore the experiences, history and culture of Filipinos in New Brunswick. When I was 13, I immigrated to Moncton with my mother and sister. When we landed we were greeted with a blizzard, but having no experience with snow, I felt excited. Coming from the Philippines, a country where it's either hot or rainy, I knew adjusting to the environment would be challenging. Somewhere along the way, I found warmth in the welcoming embrace of New Brunswick and the Filipino community that helped me feel right at home. In our native language of Tagalog, we have a word — Bayanihan — which means community co-operation. Traditionally this is an old practice where neighbours gather around physically helping a family to relocate their Bahay Kubo, or nipa hut, a house made out of bamboo and banana leaves, by lifting and carrying it to a new location. This is an act of Pakikisama, or getting along and helping each other out. Filipino culture values harmony, empathy and unity over individualism. Our identity is connected through the spiritual Kapwa philosophy, or 'shared self,' where every person's responsibility is not for themself but in the service of each other and the greater community, binding us as one. These profound cultural customs are something that we practice no matter where we are in the world, including here in New Brunswick. I'm grateful for the power of photography and how it can broaden one's horizons. I hope my photos give current and future generations of Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians a window to see their heritage through and to provide an understanding that helps everyone see the beauty in our culture and how it fits into our shared communities in New Brunswick. Helping Filipinos feel at home, one at a time Betty De Asis Betty De Asis is one of the founding members of the Filipino Association of New Brunswick, which was formed in 2007. At the beginning, the association relied entirely on their own pockets and the support of the Filipino community. Because of Betty's stewardship, the small initiative grew into the thriving organization it is today. She is well-respected and known as Nanay (Mother) Betty in the community, a name that speaks to her kindness and motherly nature. One of her greatest contributions has been voluntarily helping newly arrived Filipinos settle in New Brunswick. For 14 years, Nanay Betty was a full-time teacher at Elsipogtog First Nation School, with many of her students remembering her compassion, staying in touch even years later. 'I went to UNB Fredericton and got my education degree so I could teach,' she said. 'Years later, I was professionally dressed up for an interview for adult education at Oromocto when I got a call from the principal of Elsipogtog First Nation School, he told me to come in. When I arrived, the principal tossed me a set of keys and told me this is for your classroom. I got excited then I quickly ran to this classroom, when I entered It was empty, but at that time I got help from my kababayan [fellow Filipinos] with filling up my classroom with decorations, It was a regular act of bayanihan, I couldn't be any happier.' Betty currently lives in Richibucto with Tito, or Uncle, Raynald Chiasson, her partner of 20 years. She travels around the province working as a settlement support worker, making presentations about Filipino cultures to elementary students as part of the diversity and inclusion initiative by the New Brunswick Multicultural Council. One thing I felt when I was having my conversation with Nanay Betty was her quiet, steady generosity — a generosity shaped by her own experiences of isolation and the kindness she now shares freely, making sure everyone around her always feels seen and supported. Guiding the Filipino community forward Anna Mae Sy Originally from Las Piñas, Philippines, Anna Mae Sy moved to Canada with her husband and daughter, settling in Moncton in 2018. Right from the start, she viewed this new chapter as full of exciting possibilities. She started her career as an early childhood educator, then moved into teaching English online, eventually landing a job that spoke to her passion for culture and community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area as a youth program co-ordinator, helping refugees, immigrants, and youth explore their career paths. In 2023, Anna Mae successfully ran for the volunteer position of vice-president for the Filipino Association of New Brunswick, and began helping with various initiatives like the annual Filipino Christmas party, Filipino Family Day in the summer, and Filipino Heritage Month. 'My family and I felt the hardships of immigration, and the only thing I can do now that I'm here is to pass forward the kindness I was given to others trying to settle in New Brunswick,' she said. 'When you are part of a community organization like this (Filipino Association of New Brunswick), your outreach is endless and we try our best to help, this is part of the spirit of Bayanihan. The Filipino community did not hesitate when a kababayan almost got deported. They were set to go home when the community got together and helped raise funds to pay for a lawyer. I saw how we all united to help this person. 'If I change one life for the better, then I've done my job. It resonates with me deeply, whenever I see the impact of the work we do in the Filipino community.' This year marks the 18th year for the Filipino Association of New Brunswick, and it also marks a huge milestone for Anna Mae, who was chosen as the association's new president. Listening to her oath-taking speech, you could feel her heart for the community in every word she spoke. She also chairs the Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick, a volunteer group that celebrates Asian heritage and opens doors for honest conversations about life in Atlantic Canada. In her day job, Anna Mae helps community members with writing resumes, job-hunting and interview prep as an employment counsellor for the Government of New Brunswick. Anna Mae is a great example of what the Kapwa philosophy entails. Her responsibility is not just for herself but in the service of the greater community, making it a better place not just for Filipinos, but for everyone. Navigating mixed Filipino-Acadian heritage Philipp Nino Michaud Growing up as the child of a Filipino mother and Acadian father, Phillip Nino Michaud sometimes felt caught in between two worlds. For Nino, there was a period when he resented being Filipino because it made him feel self-conscious. In elementary school, his mom always made sure he had the best food, preparing meals like pancit, a Filipino noodle dish, and other dishes she put time and care into. But instead of feeling proud, Nino wished he could just bring something that wouldn't make him stand out. 'I should just be able to eat whatever I want,' he thought at the time. It took a while, but eventually, he realized that the food his mom made is a representation of who he is, and that standing out isn't a bad thing. 'I would say that my mom and her active involvement with the Filipino Association of New Brunswick played a big key in me growing up and just really getting my sense on my Filipino side. But in the end, you know, I learned not to pick but to embrace both.' Nino acknowledged that being Filipino-Acadian may have its hardships, but it's a gift, an opportunity that not everyone gets to have. Realizing that he was given a bridge that connects him to both Filipino and Acadian culture, he feels grateful for both sides of his heritage, and how it enriches his life. Even his name, Philipp Nino Michaud, carries meaning. Philipp and Nino together, form the word Filipino, while Michaud, his Acadian surname, anchors him to his other half. With a sweet reminder that's ingrained in his very identity, he never has to choose one or the other, but instead he moves through both with a sense of belonging. Raising a family with Filipino and Canadian traditions Jason Hernandez & Jennifer Dupuis Jason Hernandez and Jennifer Dupuis have been together for seven years and are raising two daughters: Serina, who is one, and Faith, who is four. Their parenting styles are influenced by Dupuis's Acadian heritage and Hernandez's Filipino culture. Growing up in the Philippines, Hernandez carries with him the traditions and values that influenced his approach to family life in Canada, including respect for elders and strong family ties. 'We're doing that Filipino tradition where we all sleep in the same bed,' he said. 'She [Jennifer] didn't like it at first, because most of the time she's on the corner of the bed and would fall off. I'll be in the corner too, but Serina and Faith like to be in the middle, beside us. I told Jennifer, It's good to be close. She ended up accepting it, [and] now we all sleep in the same bed every night.' Jennifer spoke about her gradual ease into Filipino culture as she became part of Jason's family, from learning how to speak the Tagalog language to experiencing life in the Philippines, a trip she enjoyed so much she didn't want to leave. 'When I had our daughter Faith, I had postpartum depression, because she was my first kid and at the time, I didn't know how everything worked, but every time I needed to sleep, Nanay and Tatay (Jason's parents) would take over. They're always there, ready to help us,' shared Jennifer. In the Philippines, family often extends far beyond the usual nuclear household in Canada. It is very common for multiple generations — including grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins — to live under one roof, creating an embracing support system. It's a Filipino way of life where our doors are always open, meals are shared without hesitation, and there is always someone to turn to, whether for guidance, laughter, or maybe just sitting together after a hard day. For Jason and Jennifer, raising their daughters means carrying these traditions forward. Their home is never quiet but it's always full of love, a comfort knowing that help is always close. Bringing the community together through music Mark Ruiz Pajaron Mark Ruiz Pajaron's father arrived in Cap-Pelé in 2011. Once he got his permanent residency in 2018, Mark immigrated to New Brunswick, along with his mother and brother. Before moving to Canada, he was in his third year of college in the Philippines. For Mark, there were times when he longed for home, but he adapted with the support of the Filipino community. Today, he is the only Canadian citizen in his family. Coming from the big city of Cagayan de Oro, Mark found the fresh air and quieter pace in New Brunswick refreshing. Life moved differently here, but in a way that felt right for him and his family to start over. What stood out to him the most was how welcoming people were for a small town. They showed a real interest in his culture, asking questions and wanting to learn more. He found comfort in those conversations, seeing them as a way to share his Filipino heritage while also feeling more at home in a new place. Music has always been a part of Mark's life, but stepping onto a stage in New Brunswick was something he had to slowly ease into. As a newcomer, he wasn't sure how people would react to his performances. 'I remember the first time I ever performed, it was during a scallop festival in Richibucto and they could not play the Philippine national anthem,' he said. 'A kababayan pushed me to sing it and so I did. I was really embarrassed and worried, because I know some Filipinos are super strict when it comes to singing our national anthem. It needed it to be in a right and respectful tone. I was really nervous but fortunately everything went smoothly and I got a good reaction from the audience. Singing is my calling, I wish I could do more, paid or not, I would love to perform as long as I live.' About the Author Ranz Jaren Bontogon Ranz Bontogon (he/him) is a photographer, artist and cultural worker based in Moncton. Originally from Taguig City, Philippines, he immigrated to Canada in 2013 and has been living in New Brunswick for more than a decade. His work explores Filipino identity, migration and his culture through traditional darkroom processes, including silver gelatin and platinum-palladium printing. Footer Links My Account Profile CBC Gem Newsletters Connect with CBC Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Mobile RSS Podcasts Contact CBC Submit Feedback Help Centre Audience Relations, CBC P.O. 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CBC
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Thrift flip: Turn an oversized blazer into a chic vest dress
Looking for a fresh way to repurpose that oversized blazer you thrifted or found at the back of your closet? This easy upcycling project from Sewing Therapy 's Sara SJ Kim might be what you're after. In this episode of her CBC Life series Sewing School, Sara provides step-by-step instructions for turning an old jacket into a chic vest dress that you can wear as a layering piece for spring. She demonstrates how to remove sleeves and shoulder pads, add bias binding, adjust the waistline and more. Watch the video for Sara's tutorial, then scroll down to get the full list of materials needed for this project. Here's what you'll need: An oversized blazer A large shirt or blouse Pins or clips Ruler Scissors Snips Sewing machine Thread, in colour of your choice Produced in collaboration with CBC Creator Network.
