CBC Ottawa’s Creator Network provides a platform for young digital storytellers from diverse backgrounds to create original video content for CBC. The initiative allows them to share stories through their unique perspectives. To submit ideas or explore more stories from the Creator Network, visit cbc.ca/creatornetworkott.
The “No New Friends” soccer team, with over a decade of history on the field, has experienced victories, losses, injuries, and personal milestones. According to Nick Pouponneau, a longtime player and co-organizer, the 60-minute games in the Ottawa Footy Sevens league have been instrumental in helping players navigate life challenges both on and off the pitch. For Pouponneau, soccer is not just a game but a way of life, providing consistent support regardless of outcomes.
Pouponneau decided to showcase the team’s journey and the impact of soccer on its members in a video for CBC Ottawa’s Creator Network. The video captures the camaraderie and shared experiences of the players, highlighting how the sport has shaped their lives.
The team, originally formed by childhood friends, has evolved over the years, with players balancing soccer commitments alongside their professional and personal responsibilities. Despite the challenges of adulthood, the team remains a vital source of connection and support for its members.
Soccer has played a significant role in the lives of the players, fostering friendships, providing opportunities for newcomers to Canada to integrate into the community, and influencing career paths. The team’s shared history and passion for the sport continue to drive them to compete fiercely on the field while also nurturing a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
Through the Creator Network video, the No New Friends team’s story serves as a tribute to the enduring bonds formed through sports and the profound impact of soccer on individual lives. The players express their commitment to continue playing together, emphasizing the profound influence of soccer on their personal growth and relationships.