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The Guardian
6 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
From sixth tier to Swiss Cup final: Biel-Bienne ready for time of their lives
The Swiss Cup was established in 1925 and with the competition celebrating its centenary a remarkable story has emerged – a third division team has reached the final for the first time. Meet FC Biel-Bienne, who survived bankruptcy less than a decade ago, have problems competing with an ice hockey club, and whose sporting director injured himself while jumping for joy. They come from a special town too. Biel/Bienne is the biggest bilingual city in Switzerland – Biel is the German name and Bienne is the French one. Until 2005 they were used separately until it was decided to unite them, true to the spirit of the community. The town is famous for being the watch capital of Switzerland. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry is based there, as is the Swatch headquarters and the Rolex factory. The stadium is named the Tissot Arena, sponsored by the luxury watch brand owned by the Swatch group. It is multi-purpose and unique, combining a football stadium and an ice hockey arena. Ice hockey is more popular in the city than football, as EHC Biel-Bienne play in the top division and FC Biel-Bienne do not. Gone are the days when they were a major force, winning the title in 1947 and finishing second in 1948 and 1960. 'We were established in 1896 and are one of the oldest football clubs in the country,' says the FC Biel-Bienne president, Dietmar Faes. 'The traditions are great, and we used to have patrons from the watch industry. But things changed during the last 50 years and it became difficult to raise money and compete with a very successful ice hockey team that leads the sponsorship market in our area.' The club went bankrupt in 2016 and very nearly disappeared from the football map. 'We started over in the sixth division, and had nothing,' the FC Biel-Bienne financial director, Mauro Ierep, says. 'No balls, no shirts, no sponsors, nothing at all. A local entrepreneur gave us €20,000 to start the season and cover initial expenses. The goal was to reach the fourth division in two years and it was achieved. Three more years were needed to get promoted to the third division 'The budget gradually increased to €1m thanks to the arrival of Core Sports Capital, whose Swiss owner, Ahmet Schaefer, is also the president of Clermont Foot in France. Nevertheless, most of the management team are volunteers, and we only have eight professional footballers. The rest are students or have other jobs and all training sessions take place in the evening so that everyone can take part.' The coach is inexperienced as well. The 35-year-old Frenchman Samir Chaibeddra worked as an assistant at a magnificently named Goal FC in his homeland, before joining Biel-Bienne in March 2023 and saving them from relegation to fourth division. He has proven himself a sound tactician and motivator and the team finished third last term. This season, returning to the second division was the main goal. At first the cup run was just an unexpected bonus. Biel-Bienne surprisingly won against second-tier Neuchâtel Xamax in round one, and then overcame a couple of minnows to reach the quarter-finals. 'We wanted to get a big game at home to have a nice boost for our finances, and got one,' the sporting director, Oliver Zesiger, says. 'Lugano led the top division at the time. We defended deep, didn't concede many chances and scored on a counter. We were later told it was offside, but there was no VAR and the referees allowed it to stand. In injury time, Lugano sent their goalkeeper up and we made it 2-0 into the empty net.' Young Boys, the reigning champions, awaited in the semi-finals. 'They are our geographical rivals, at least as we are concerned,' says Zesiger. 'People from Biel/Bienne don't like those from Berne. We really wanted to play them and the tickets went extremely fast. 'Young Boys were clear favourites, of course. We lost 6-0 against them in a friendly in the winter. We face their reserve team in the third division twice a season. And yet, we were quietly confident that we could surprise them.' Every effort was made to prepare the players for something they had never experienced. 'We played fan chants loudly during the training sessions, so that the guys would learn how to communicate in a noisy environment,' adds Zesiger. There was also a major novelty as VAR was installed at the Tissot Arena for the first time. That was symbolic because Biel-Bienne had an old score to settle. 'In 2019, we played against Young Boys in the first round and the referee stole the win from us,' says Faes. 'We led in injury time and he mistakenly awarded the corner from which they scored the equalising goal. That was devastating.' Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion This year's fixture was not without controversy either. A penalty for Biel-Bienne was ruled out by VAR because the contact took place outside the area and the game ended goalless at 90 minutes. In extra time, another penalty was awarded when the Biel-Bienne striker Loïc Socka, on loan from Clermont, collided with the goalkeeper. Well, maybe. The touch was questionable, but VAR could not rule it out and chose not to intervene. Malko Sartoretti, a young striker on loan from Lausanne, stepped forward. 'Strangely, I didn't feel nervous,' he says. 'I told myself that it only could be a good outcome if I score.' It went in and Biel-Bienne managed to keep a clean sheet until Young Boys equalised with the last kick of the game. Everyone was shocked, only to be relieved when VAR disallowed the goal for handball. The celebrations were so wild that Zesiger was injured while jumping and hugging the press officer. 'I ruptured a ligament in my knee, but will go to the final nevertheless,' he says, smiling. The following day, the team watched the other semi-final between Basel and Lausanne. Sartoretti wanted to face the club he belongs to, but the newly crowned champions Basel sealed a dramatic win, and now the amateurs of Biel-Biennemeet Xherdan Shaqiri and co in the final in Berne on Sunday. The 33-year-old veteran has been in superb form, but the underdogs are ready for the greatest day of their lives. The excitement and attention was difficult for the team to deal with and Biel-Bienne lost crucial games in the third division, missing out on a promotion. 'Mentally and physically that was too much for us,' Zesiger says. They would find themselves in the Conference League if they produce another sensational result. 'The only secret is that we have a very united group,' says the captain, Anthony de Freitas, who played for Port Vale between 2016 and 2018. 'We are courageous, and make efforts for each other. There is a lot of serenity, calmness and confidence in the dressing room. We were compact at the back against two top division rivals and there is no reason not to try and beat Basel too. 'We have shown that everything is possible, so why not this time?' says Sartoretti. Biel-Bienne fans think the same – in German and French – and their watches are ticking in unison.
National Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Why bilingualism remains a career advantage in a digital world
This article was created by StackCommerce. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links on this page. Article content In an increasingly global economy, fluency in more than one language isn't just a nice-to-have skill, it's now viewed as a career edge. But for many working professionals, the idea of adding 'learn French' or 'pick up Korean' to an already-packed schedule can be unrealistic. Article content However, digital learning platforms are certainly changing things. With online learning through apps like MosaLingua, it's become easier to find snippets of time to learn languages. Article content Learn languages with MosaLingua Article content Unlike traditional language courses that demand hours of weekly commitment or force you through endless grammar drills, MosaLingua is built for the modern, time-poor learner. It leverages a proven combination of microlearning, spaced repetition and real-world vocabulary to help users build language skills in as little as 10 minutes a day, which means no classrooms and much less stress. Article content It's a timely shift. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 40 percent of the population already speaks more than one language, a rise from past years. The demand for bilingual workers is increasing in various sectors, including healthcare and technology, worldwide. But while immersion-based learning has long been considered the gold standard, not everyone can afford to move abroad or enroll in a full-time course. Article content Article content Online platforms like MosaLingua's approach meet learners where they are. Lessons can be downloaded for offline use, and tools like built-in flashcards, native audio and an AI-powered conversation coach make it easy to practice on the subway, between meetings or while waiting in line for coffee. Article content Available languages Article content Its content library spans 11 major global languages, including French, Spanish, Korean and German. More importantly, it focuses on phrases and topics people actually use: asking for directions, ordering food and navigating work emails, not reciting outdated textbook dialogue about where the library is. Article content For professionals looking to sharpen their resume, open up new markets or simply feel less like a tourist on their next trip, this learning tool respects your time and your hard-earned money. Get lifetime access to Mosalingua Premium Language Learning for just $135. Article content
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michele Wong McSween's 'Gordon & Li Li' children's book series helps families learn Mandarin
[Source] When Michele Wong McSween couldn't find Mandarin learning books for her children, she created her own — launching a beloved bilingual series in the process. A fourth-generation Chinese American and former fashion designer, McSween began 'Gordon & Li Li' as part of a personal effort to reconnect with her cultural roots after enrolling her family in Mandarin classes. The newest installment, 'Gordon & Li Li: All About Me,' teaches vocabulary for body parts through movement and song. It ends with a bilingual version of 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.' 'When I think about the next book to add to 'Gordon & Li Li's' world, I always think of two things: parents and kids,' McSween tells The Rebel Yellow. 'What will help parents connect with their children? And what will kids be naturally curious about? 'All About Me' felt like the perfect fit.' From bedtime books to a bestselling series Trending on NextShark: McSween says the inspiration for the books came after realizing how few Mandarin resources were available for non-speaking families like hers. 'Back in 2006, there were virtually no appealing or accessible bilingual resources for learning Chinese — especially for young children,' she says. 'Most of what I found were old-fashioned, intimidating books tucked away in Chinatown stores, which didn't reflect or support multicultural families like mine.' She noted that by comparison, Spanish-language books were widely available and approachable. 'I kept asking myself: why doesn't this exist for Mandarin, a language spoken by over a billion people?' she says. 'If I wanted these resources for my kids, I was going to have to create them myself.' She self-published the first 'Gordon & Li Li' books starting in 2008. Scholastic acquired the titles in 2017 and re-released them the following year, expanding the franchise to include activity books and a mobile app. Trending on NextShark: Building language and connection McSween says 'All About Me' was designed to mirror how her sons engaged with books as toddlers. 'When my boys were little, they loved any book that let them move — pointing to their belly, wiggling their toes, shaking their arms — classic boy energy!' she says. 'Books about the body became a fun, interactive way for us to bond and learn together.' She says the book's final song makes the learning feel playful and accessible. 'It's a sweet, silly, and educational moment families can share, which is exactly what 'Gordon & Li Li' is all about.' Trending on NextShark: A multigenerational impact McSween regularly hears from parents and grandparents who say the series has helped them reconnect with their culture. 'Many say they wish something like this had existed when they were growing up,' she says. 'Grandparents appreciate how approachable the books are, especially when they're trying to learn Mandarin because their grandkids are Chinese.' She says some of the most meaningful feedback comes directly from children. 'Some proudly recite 'Gordon & Li Li's' introductions by heart, while others bring well-loved, well-worn copies of the books — usually passed down from older siblings or cousins — to have me sign,' she says. 'That kind of connection is deep, authentic and incredibly heartwarming.' Trending on NextShark: Relearning her own identity 'You know the term 'born again Christian'? I like to say I'm a 'born again Chinese,'' McSween says. 'I went from knowing very little about my heritage to feeling fully immersed in it — all because of 'Gordon & Li Li.'' In addition to teaching her own children, the work has opened doors into community and collaboration. 'Through this work, I've been able to meet and collaborate with inspiring AAPI organizations, small businesses, and creatives — people who are all working to uplift our stories and share our traditions and experiences,' she says. 'The biggest gift 'Gordon & Li Li' has given me is the chance to share my love for our culture in a joyful, meaningful way. They're the gift that keeps on giving and it's something I'm extremely proud of!' Trending on NextShark: Advice for parents McSween says the most effective way to introduce language and culture at home is through consistent exposure. 'Read bilingual books, cook family recipes together, make simple crafts, watch bilingual children's shows, or try out language learning apps. Every bit helps and it all adds up to making an impact,' she says. She adds that even small steps matter. 'Using everyday words and phrases around the house is an easy and natural way for kids to pick up a new language,' she says. 'Even just saying 'hello,' 'thank you,' or counting out how many books they want to read at bedtime can help.' Still, she acknowledges that the process isn't always smooth. 'Some days your kids will love it, and other days they might roll their eyes or want to do what their friends are doing instead. That's normal!' she says. 'The key is to make it joyful. When learning feels like play, it sticks.' Most important, she says, is to begin — even if parents don't feel fully fluent. 'You don't have to be fluent or 'perfect' to start, take it from a person who just started learning Mandarin after my kids were born. You're learning and bonding with your kids and that's something to be proud of.' This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
ABC News
24-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
This family didn't just try to fix their daughter's Deafness — they embraced it
When Kate and Dan Walls found out their daughter Charlie was Deaf, they knew it wasn't something they wanted to just fix and move on from. They made a decision many other parents wouldn't have and one that fully embraced her Deafness — for the whole family to learn Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Thanks to the use of cochlear implants, 14-month-old Charlie can access the hearing world and has started learning spoken English as well. Kate said raising Charlie bilingual would give her choice and a sense of identity as she grew up. "If we're expecting Charlie to [also] learn spoken language and English, I think it's also important that we meet her halfway, so she can have one foot in the hearing world and one foot in the Deaf world", she said. The family's Sydney home gives a glimpse into how both worlds coexist. Posters dotted along the walls remind everyone of key signs and most interactions across the day are done in both languages. Dan and Kate take Auslan classes and their eldest daughter Ellie, who is hearing, has picked it up quickly too. As the family learns new signs, Kate has made short videos to help family members in Australia and overseas learn to communicate with Charlie. Close friends have also embraced Charlie's Deafness in creative ways. One has made a teddy bear wearing the same brand of cochlear implants Charlie is using. The bear is a symbol that Charlie isn't alone in her experience. "We have really felt supported in our decision to be bilingual. Everyone's just dived right in," Kate said. Part of the family's Auslan journey has involved attending an early intervention playgroup run by not-for-profit NextSense. Each week, Deaf children and their parents, including some who use NDIS funding, meet with other families who share similar experiences. They take part in sensory activities including story time, done in both sign and spoken language. They also have access to a Deaf mentor who supports the families to develop their signing skills. Behind the play, is a focus on developing the children's emotional, cognitive and motor skills. Katie Huntsdale has taught Deaf children for 25 years, including 23 at NextSense. Running this playgroup has been her favourite part of the job. "I watch the [children] grow from being young babies … and achieve language goals that I know their parents have for them," she said. Ms Huntsdale said when families initially attended the group, it was often the first time they'd met another Deaf person. "For the kids, it's about creating that sense of belonging and connecting with their peers. For the parents, it's about education [and] meeting Deaf adults who are successful," she said. NextSense Institute director Greg Leigh said early intervention services played a critical role in helping kids develop language, whether it was sign, spoken or a mix of both. "Children need to be immersed in language-rich environments with people who know and use the languages that they're learning," he said. Professor Leigh said it was vital to support parents, no matter the path they chose for their child. The future is front of mind for Kate Walls when she brings both her daughters along to the play group. It also allows Charlie to be around other Deaf people. "It just shows that there is this connection between Deaf people that hearing people just don't understand." That connection is known as Deaf culture, which refers to the strong bonds and comfort Deaf people feel with peers who have shared experiences. Brent Phillips, chief services officer at Deaf Connect, said Deaf culture was important to have for Deaf people as they navigated a world built for those who can hear. "It's us feeling safe and comfortable and at home with our community. The culture, language and identity of the mainstream community isn't always accessible to us," he said. "So, we've got our own culture and identity that has formed over the years and is really strong and valued." Mr Phillips said Deaf culture and language was much the same as any other kind of culturally and linguistically diverse culture. "It carries with it traditions and values that have been passed down by Deaf generations to a point now where we really are thriving and we are a very strong Deaf community who truly celebrate and are proud to be who we are." Mr Phillips is a third-generation Deaf person, married to another Deaf person, and is the proud father of two bilingual children. He said there was no one correct way to raise a Deaf child. "Each child is unique. It's about providing them with every opportunity to succeed in life and that means providing them with all the options," he said. Charlie Walls is picking up new signs every day and Kate hopes the path she's chosen for her daughter will give Charlie the confidence to embrace her Deafness, just as the family has. While Kate said the bilingual approach has been the right choice for Charlie, she acknowledged every family was on its own journey. "We have found it a lot of hard work to learn Auslan but we've also found it really rewarding", she said.
Washington Post
08-05-2025
- Washington Post
Washington's Hispanic community fighting fear and rallying help as rumors of an ICE crackdown bubble
WASHINGTON — Word spread — and fast — as it does in so many moments of rumor and fear . Early Tuesday morning, dozens of concerned parents and staff members gathered outside of Mundo Verde, one of Washington's most prominent bilingual schools, bracing for a crackdown. A flurry of rumors and unconfirmed media reports had fueled fears that agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be descending on area schools that were known to have large Hispanic immigrant populations.
