4th Line Theatre Welcomes Beau Dixon As An Artistic Associate

4th Line Theatre has announced that award-winning Canadian actor, writer and composer/musician Beau Dixon has joined the theatre as an Artistic Associate.

Dixon will assist 4th Line in further developing its inclusivity and diversity initiatives and strategies. WIth Dixon’s assistance, 4th Line Theatre’s objective is to establish a talent bank of racialized artists, uncover local racialized stories, and liaise with racialized community partners.

Beau Dixon (photo courtesy 4th Line Theatre)

Dixon’s research, and the relationships he forges during this project, will aid in future artistic programming and play development. Dixon’s deep ties to Peterborough and area will allow him to delve deeply into the issues of inclusivity and diversity, to ensure lasting strategies for the theatre.

 “I am thrilled to welcome Beau back to 4th Line,” says Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “He has a long and rich creative history at the theatre. When I decided to create a formal strategy to address inclusivity and diversity at 4th Line, Beau was the first call I made, to ask for his input.”

Kim Blackwell (photo courtesy 4th Line Theatre)

“I'm excited to be joining the 4th Line team as an Artistic Associate, because it will allow me to contribute to bringing new stories and ideas to Peterborough's artistic community, while giving me the opportunity to discover and research untold stories found within the racially diverse communities around the theatre,” says Beau Dixon.

“I will explore the creation of new forms of storytelling and share other people's history, that have been embedded in the Peterborough and Kawartha region for centuries,” Dixon adds.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Q & A With 4 Local Youth On The Impact A Pro Soccer Team Would Have On Peterborough

The prospect of a professional soccer team possibly coming to Peterborough is exciting for many but the idea has four local youth completely inspired at the notion.

For Owen Hazeldine, Belle Onusko, Jordan Foss-Mills and Nathan Francisco, their passion for the game runs deep. Beth McClelland, a soccer match official, player and fan, originally from Peterborough, recently caught up with all four as they shared what sparked their love for the game and why they hope to see a pro team come to the city. Read her interview with them below…

Jordan Foss-Mills, a member of Peterborough City's U-16 girls soccer team, competing against an opposing team at Eastgate Park in Peterborough (Photo courtesy Beth McClelland)

BETH: Please tell us about yourself and explain the connection to soccer in Peterborough.

Owen: Soccer has been a part of my life for a long time. I started playing soccer when I was two years old and have continued to play up to now when I am 15. I’ve kept playing soccer throughout the years because I enjoy it and have made many new friends along the way.

Belle: I started playing soccer when I was five years old in the Peterborough house league, then began with Peterborough City Soccer when I was eight. Throughout all the years I've played, it has always given me stability, allowing me to escape other stresses or worries in my life. My dad has been my coach almost every year until now, and he has really shown me how to be a caring player—both on and off the field. I've made meaningful friendships with many teammates, who inspire me to keep improving my skills, in both soccer and collaboration.

Jordan: Since a young age, I have been involved in many athletic clubs/programs across Peterborough. I found my passion for soccer at age eight, and joined Peterborough City Soccer at 10 years old. I have been playing ever since. Soccer has played a huge part in my life in many aspects, as a person and as a player

Nathan: I’m 16 years old and I’ve played soccer for 7 years. Being a soccer player runs in my family. I’ve always played for Peterborough City and I’ve played house league on my off seasons. I have been refereeing for three years, and I really enjoy that too.

Belle Onusko playing for the Peterborough City U-17 girls soccer team at the Champions Showcase tournament in Ottawa (Photo courtesy Beth McClelland)

BETH: What does the Peterborough soccer community mean to you?  

Owen: The Peterborough soccer community means a lot to me. It has been a part of my life for a long time. It has brought enjoyment into my life and is a very positive community. Everyone that has helped me has taught me valuable lessons and formed me into the person I am today.  Without the soccer community, I don't know where I would be today. 

Belle: To me, the Peterborough soccer community embodies a passion for soccer, and the development of quality teammates. From both coaches and other players, I've learned that a truly great soccer player means being a kind and fair person. I have learned how to commit to a team goal, and prioritize collective success. I will take this with me when moving on past high school onto other teams and in future workplaces. 

Jordan: The Peterborough City soccer community has always been my second family. I think I have spent more time training and competing with my team than with my actual family. The club is there providing a place to leave the outside world behind to compete and play the sport we all love. 

Nathan: The Peterborough soccer community means a lot to me. I’ve been a part of it for a very long time and I would like the best experience possible for people who are just getting into soccer! 

Owen Hazeldine (bottom left) with the Peterborough CIty U-15 boys team at a tournament in Thornhill (Photo courtesy Beth McClelland)

BETH: What would a semi pro or pro club coming to Peterborough mean to you?

Owen: A semi pro or pro club coming to Peterborough would be awesome. I think it would be great for the city. I feel it would give a lot of exposure to Peterborough and could change the way people see the city. I think it would also be a good achievement for Peterborough. Overall, I'm very interested to see what happens with this club and how it influences change in the city.

Belle: I always love watching women's soccer on TV, and getting to see female representation in the game. I think having a semi pro or pro team in Peterborough would offer an even more personal and meaningful connection to the game. Seeing successful professional players right here in Peterborough, and showing that it's possible to continue on with soccer professionally past childhood would be really inspiring. I believe this would be a great motivator for myself and other young people to pursue their love for soccer in the future, as a player, coach, referee or more.

Jordan: When I first heard about a semi pro/ pro club possibly coming to Peterborough, I was immediately excited. I have been watching Toronto FC (MLS) since I began playing soccer and have attended multiple games. Each time I attend, it puts the game of soccer in a whole new perspective. This is an amazing opportunity not only to cheer for your hometown but to gain a better understanding of what it takes to play at that level. 

Nathan: A semi pro/ pro team coming to Peterborough would mean the world to me. It would encourage kids who are younger to strive for more now because they would have potential options to get into the pro leagues, which means they would be able to go farther in their soccer career.

—special guest post by Beth McClelland

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

You Can Airbnb It At An Awesome Geo Dome On A Farm Near Peterborough Overlooking A Pond

With staycations now becoming the It thing in this pandemic era, Millen + Smith Acres farm in Keene, Ontario near Peterborough is delivering on that in a beautiful way, bringing you back to nature with farm animals grazing near you while you chillax in their just launched Geo dome.

The Geo dome, which includes a king size bed, love seat and wood stove, is nestled right over a pond that’s perfect for bird watching and canoeing in the summer, and skating in the winter months. In true rustic fashion, there is no bathroom but there is an outhouse close by.

Owners Matt Smith and Jenn Austin-Driver have created quite the utopian-like getaway. Imagine staying in a Geo dome in the great Canadian outdoors with its own pond, while nearby you are sheep, alpacas, chickens, geese, ducks, goats, cows, horses and two pot belly pigs (Billy Ray and Jolene) that you can visit by hiking around acres and acres at the farm. Pretty idyllic, eh?

At night, you can rock your best Canadian plaid while strumming your guitar and singing along to Gordon Lightfoot songs in the private campfire area, with your cooler stocked full of say, Bobcaygeon beer, while you view the constellations. It’s magical stuff.

Jenn Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada that the inspiration for the farm and Geo dome came from the growing trend of staycations and farm stays the couple were seeing and partaking in themselves on Airbnb.

“We wanted to incorporate additional options for Agri tourism on our farm and thought this would be a really cool and modern attraction,” says. “We started doing farm tours on Airbnb this summer and it’s been amazing—we’ve hosted over 150 guests for tours since August!”

Owners Matt Smith and Jenn Austin-Driver at the farm

The couple has had such amazing feedback from the day trippers and are seeing first hand the increase in people wanting to connect with nature and farm animals, and learn about the local food cycle.

“We want make connections with as many folks as possible through as many diverse avenues as possible,” Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada. “The more time we spend connecting and talking about the farm and sustainable farming practices, the more people think about incorporating better food choices into their day to day, and in turn farmers are highlighted more and more—which only helps our local agricultural industry. Farmers feed cities.”

The Geo dome just opened overnight last week, and has already started to fill their remaining 2020 fall/winter dates. This thing is sure to be a hit right into 2021 and beyond.

“The Geo dome is a year-round stay, with tons of seasonal activities to partake in on and locally off the farm,” Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada. For those concerned with Covid cleaning, the couple adheres to rigid Covid cleaning policies and procedures to protect hosts and guests alike.

For more on the farm, check out the Airbnb listing here, the Instagram page here (this farm is so gram worthy), and Facebook here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough-based Streambed Media Wins Highly Competitive Wyoming Sandcastle Startups Challenge, Advances To Finals In Dubai

Streambed Media, a Peterborough company headed by Trent University alumna Jenna Pilgrim, has won the highly competitive Wyoming Sandcastle Startups challenge.

The company's prize includes $12,500 USD, and a guaranteed spot for the Sandcastle finals in Dubai at the World's Fair next October to compete for up to $250,000.

The competition was led by the Sandcastle Startups Foundation, which aims to advance the discovery of new technology and solutions to humanity’s largest problems through emerging startups. The Prize money for the regionals was sponsored by the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY.

Photo of Streambed Media co-founder Jenna Pilgrim courtesy Innovation Cluster

Streambed is a social media tool that uses a blockchain tracking system to delegate analytics to all parties involved in creating, publishing and distributing a piece of video content (sponsors, talent etc). It immutably links them, their video posts and their interactions by hashing the content metadata to the blockchain, creating richer, more reliable and informative data on that content’s performance.

“We are incredibly excited to have been recognized by the Wyoming Sandcastle Startups Challenge,” says Jenna Pilgrim, CEO and co-founder of Streambed Media. “Amidst a competitive playing field of amazing companies, we are honored to see that blockchain-powered social media tools are a much needed and wanted innovation.” 

Jenna Pilgrim participating in the Sandcastle startup challenge

The Sandcastle Startup Challenge finals will host 16 teams including Streambed in a bracket style cryptocurrency/blockchain startup competition during the opening month of the World’s Fair in Dubai next year. The company will compete for a Grand Prize package valued at over $250,000 and receive a competitor package, complimentary badge, media coverage, flight and airfare, valued at over $35,000.

“We are excited to see this local tech company and Trent graduate reach this milestone, as they are recognized for developing innovation that is essential,” says Michael Skinner, CEO of the Innovation Cluster.

“Streambed is designed to democratize social media, share valuable data back to creators and empower brands to find their authentic audiences,” says Jenna. “In a world where we have even more platforms fielding an explosion of content over the next five years, the time is now to fix and make these platforms work for everyone.” 

Streambed is currently in beta, and is bringing on users slowly. To be one of the first users or be notified when they are live, visit streambedmedia.com/subscribe.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Anyone Can Make A Difference: Peterborough Man Gives 100th Blood Donation

Peterborough’s Mathew Ansara has already given a hundred blood donations at the age of 38. Mathew, who has been told he is super young to have reached the century mark, accomplished the feat on Tuesday (September 29th) at the main donation clinic on Perry St.

“It was October 2012 that I hit my 50th, so it took me 8 years to get another 50 donations,” Ansara tells PTBOCanada. “I just feel that is a way for an ordinary person to actually save a life. People need blood, we all have it. It's a small thing that we all can do that can actually save a life.”

Ansara, who is currently a teacher at Adam Scott high school in Peterborough, encourages people to consider donating: “If someone hasn't donated before, I want them to know that the staff are excellent, the process is pretty painless, and on average less than an hour to do.”

Find a Canadian Blood Services location near you here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

From Peterborough To The Big Leagues: Jordan Haynes Journey To Becoming A Pro Soccer Player In The CPL

When I was nine years old, I attempted my first time playing the game of soccer competitively. Previously I had only ever played it recreationally in Peterborough's house leagues. I tried out for the U10 team because there was not a competitive team for my age group, and was able to earn a spot.

After the year had finished with the team, I had to play the next season with my age group. Having to play with my age group was something I did not want to do because I felt it was a step backward in my development. I still played the season with the team, but felt discouraged because the level was not demanding enough for me.

Jordan playing for Peterborough City (photo courtesy Jordan Haynes)

(photo courtesy Jordan Haynes)

The next year was a big jump for me as a player looking for the best opportunity I could grasp. It ended up meaning I would have to go outside my comfort zone and travel to find a team that was going to push me more.

After searching for what was out there for me, I landed in Whitby. Having to drive an hour from Peterborough to and from practices and games was a huge commitment. Not only for myself but my family as well. However, this was only the beginning.

I played two years in Whitby. I still needed to be pushed more, growing too fast to stay at the level. I moved on to play for one of the best teams in the province at that time, Ajax. After spending a year with them, I was allowed to play with the provincial team. Ontario brings in quality players from around the province to train and play games to give them better opportunities to better themselves as players.

I played two years with Ajax and the provincial team, and history repeated itself yet again. It was also no longer enough for me at that level. I then tried out for Toronto FC's U17 team, playing two years above my age.

After playing a year with them, what seemed like the best opportunity to go professional arose. I had the chance to play with a team in England's first division-QPR. The team liked me and wanted to keep me.

Although it seemed to be the best thing to happen to me, the worst thing ended up happening from it. I could not get a visa to stay in England, meaning I would not be able to stay and play with the team. I had to come back to Canada and start over with a new team.

At the age of 16, I was lucky enough to be able to go to Vancouver with the Whitecaps FC. After my first year with them, I was called up to represent my country at the youth level, starting with the u17 team.

Jordan playing in World Cup competition

Examiner article clipping courtesy Jordan Haynes

Photo courtesy Jordan Haynes

Photo courtesy Jordan Haynes

Jordan, wearing No. 11 jersey (photo courtesy Jordan Haynes)

Spending time with the national team was one of the best moments in my career so far, as it meant I could attend and compete in a World Cup, traveling to Dubai and UAE. My entire national team career continued with the u20 team. I was shortlisted for the u23 team but did not play with them.

After two years in Vancouver, I was offered my first contract to play professionally, with their second Team WFC2. I was on a pro contract for three years and played two seasons. After my contract ended, the team dissolved, only keeping their first team in the MLS, along with their youth program.

I thought I would be able to find a new team with ease, considering my background and experiences. Although it was not coming to fruition. I would go on to try out for multiple teams, not making any of them.

I was allowed to play for a team in the now Canadian Premier League (CPL), Cavalry FC out in Calgary. But there was a catch. The team was not going to exist until the following year, its inaugural season. So I was playing and training with others that wanted to play for the team next year as well. After the year had ended, the team did not want to continue with me anymore.

The last opportunity I had left was an open tryout for a new pro team in Tucson, Arizona. But I didn’t make it. It was then that I decided not to continue to move on with soccer. It was the end of the road. I remember sitting in the hot tub of the hotel I was staying at, not being able to hold myself up, body weak, tears coming from my eyes.

I had hit rock bottom with soccer.

I had to make a tough but necessary decision that resulted in me going to university and moving on from soccer. I had a few options but ended up at UBC in Vancouver. As chance would have it, I was able to receive a scholarship to play with the men's soccer team at UBC.

Before I went to school, I landed with the local team, TSS Rovers, in Vancouver to help prepare myself for the school season.  And I acknowledge them for giving me the spark and love I once had for the game.

I played one year with the team, winning our league and grabbing a few solo accolades. We went on to compete at the national championships for school. That is where my professional career caught some traction again. My now co-head coach, James Merriman, saw something in me at the Championships and wanted to allow me to play professionally again.

Photo of Jordan at signing courtesy Pacific FC

I came to Victoria in March 2020, where I would fight for a spot permanently at Pacific FC, in the CPL. It was then that one of the biggest curveballs came in modern time: COVID-19.

I had to train by myself at home for months, without a guarantee that I would even be on the team come the season. When we were given the green light by the government to resume training as a team, it was now my opportunity to show my worth. I then had to train for another two months without any guarantee still. In July 2020, I was offered a multi-year deal to become a professional soccer player again.

I was once again unable to hold myself up. But this time was different, as I had tears of joy. I sat there, recalling all the dark moments I had to get back to this point and now making it all worthwhile.

Photo of Jordan from the “Island Games” courtesy Canadian Premier League.

Photo of Jordan from the “Island Games” courtesy Canadian Premier League.

Playing in the Island Games recently in Charlottetown, PEI, was a very special moment for me. Having such an experience as my comeback made it all that much sweeter. I'll never forget this tournament, as it was my bounce back, and where I continue my journey.

As well, I am grateful to be considered a pioneer in professional football in Peterborough. What a massive honour. I could not be any happier to be able to do what I love as a boy from the small city of Peterborough and put us on the map.

The only thing I could say to give guidance to anyone wanting to be the next player to do the same as I have, is by telling you to do the same as me. Never give up, and work as hard as you can every single day when everyone is watching, and more importantly, when no one is.

It is a much harder road than people think, but it is possible.

—special guest post by Jordan Haynes

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Klompmaker Family Named 2020 Farm Family Of The Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce have announced the Klompmaker family, of 1378 6th Line Asphodel, Hastings as the 2020 Farm Family of the Year. 

This award recognizes a farm family that has demonstrated good farming practices, an interest in the farming community, and interest and participation by the family in its operation. 

For 7 years, Chris and Angela Klompmaker have owned and operated their 89-acre broiler chicken farm, K & H Poultry LTD. Chris is a 4th generation chicken farmer and serves as a District Committee Representative for district 9 with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO). Angela also grew up heavily involved in agriculture, and when she's not working as an RN, you can find her helping on the farm. 

Photo courtesy Peterborough Chamber

In 2015, the farm was certified organic by Pro-Cert Organics Systems LTD. The farm has also earned certifications for high animal welfare standards from Global Animal Partnership and the Chicken Farmers of Canada Animal Care Program, as well as for exceptional sanitation and food safety practices from the Ontario Farm Food Safety Assurance Program.

After upgrading each of the original three barns, the Klompmakers expanded and built a modern 24,000 square-foot barn, featuring a state-of-the-art computer system as well as a high-volume heat exchanger to increase efficiency. The farm now produces 50,000 chickens every eight weeks, and the family donates 700kg of fresh chicken to local food banks each year through the CFO Cares Program.

The Klompmaker family expanded in August of 2019 as they welcomed their daughter, Isabella. The same year, they purchased a 200-acre farm to fulfill their dream of getting involved in field crops.

The award will be presented at the Peterborough Business Excellence Awards digital event on Wednesday, October 21st.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Woman On Her Love For The Beautiful Game & What Electric City FC Would Mean To Her

“I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is the result of a love affair between the child and the ball.” —Roy Maurice Keane

My name is Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe (aka “Coach Liz” to all the kids that play for Cavan FC) and my love affair with the beautiful game started the moment I stepped onto the pitch.

My summers and winters were spent battling with my teammates in pursuit of trophies and league titles. We definitely didn’t win every title or trophy and it wasn’t always easy, trust me, tears were shed in the process. Have you ever lost in a shootout before? Not exactly my idea of a good time. Sports have taught me that success and failure are both acceptable outcomes, since we learn more when we fail. In fact, I wouldn’t be who I am today without all those moments.

Liz Shaughnessy in action (Photo by Jay Callaghan)

So of course when we signed our kids up at U4 to be the next Canadian superstars, I obviously wanted to be their coach. Eventually I had the opportunity to coach them in rep soccer at a soccer club that I instantly fell in love with, Cavan FC, a club that feels like a family.

While coaching, I can’t tell you how many times I just wanted to put my cleats on and go out on the pitch and finish the game and although I love coaching, I realized I really missed playing competitively. 

(Photo by Jay Callaghan)

I missed being apart of the moment and being able to change the outcome of the game as a player. The moments where time slows down and you and you’re teammates flow into space. Decisions are made and seconds change the outcome of those decisions.

Although I had fun with a beautiful team (you know who you are), recreational soccer just wasn’t enough anymore. I needed to see if I still had it.️ So after 17 years of recreational soccer I finally started playing competitively again (insert heart busting out of chest emoji). 

(Photo by Jay Callaghan)

Cavan FC had a very successful men’s team and I thought it was time we had a woman’s team for the girls in our club to look up to. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it was to finally play competitive soccer again. Travelling to other cities with my teammates representing Cavan FC and kicking butt was exactly what I needed. I enjoyed every single moment knowing that I don’t know how many more seasons I have left of competitive soccer.

Cavan FC women’s team finished our inaugural season in first place (if you’re not first you’re last!) and yes this old lady even won the golden boot. But my favourite thing that happened my first season as a player coach was that I once again fell in love with the beautiful game—this time on a whole new level.

(Photo by Jay Callaghan)

See each time you play it, you fall deeper in love with it. When you coach it, you fall in love with it. When you watch it (which I didn’t start doing until 2018 World Cup and now I’m obsessed), you fall in love with it. More recently, with #covid2020 random pickup soccer with amazing people from all over the world, you fall in love with it. They don’t call it the beautiful game for nothing.

Liz with her daughters

When I had the opportunity to talk with all the guys involved behind the scenes of the Electric City Football Club (ECFC) startup about their vision and what it meant for our area, I was so excited. Let me tell you why. 

The first person that told me about the League1 Ontario team was Neil Morton. Fun fact: I once got him a three month supply of Crest Whitestrips for making a joke about how white his teeth are on Twitter and tagging Crest in the tweet. But enough about Neil’s white teeth, we’re talking about footy! Anyone who knows Neil knows he’s extremely passionate about our community and he also loves the beautiful game. So if he’s excited about the potential that it has for our unique community, then that fires me up.

(Photo by Jay Callaghan)

Then cue Keaton Robbins (the guy who peer pressured me to write this). You only have to speak to him once to understand how brilliant he is and to know he is a lifelong fan of the game! So after meeting with Keaton for lunch and understanding this is going to actually be a thing, I got even more excited.

Then I got on the phone with future ECFC head coach Adrian Cann and that’s when I knew this football club has all amazing people involved in it. Not for their own personal glory but to see the game grow and for their love of our community and the game. I instantly loved his passion not only for the game but for coaching and helping kids who want to do more then just play for their local club with his ability to connect you all around the world. Plus he’s a centre back, and you’ve got to be a smart hard working player to play that position at a professional level.

Adrian Cann in his Toronto FC days (Photo courtesy Adrian Cann)

Now it’s time to talk about why I’m so excited and what it means for our area! I am one of the technical trainers for all age groups in Cavan FC. If you get stuck chatting with me about footy, you will know my passion is long term player development. I love planting seeds of development, building their foundation, and helping them find their soccer personality knowing that in the process I’m helping them fall in love with the beautiful game.

So now while I’m coaching and planting seeds of development, I can now also plant seeds of an actual future in this sport. Which up until now to have a future in this sport, you had to leave our city. Now we will have a real local opportunity to allow kids to keep dreaming that they have a chance to do something with the sport they love. 

(Photo by Jay Callaghan)

League 1 Ontario is a stepping stone in a development system to being noticed beyond your own city. Look at Alphonso Davies making history at Bayern Munich as the first Canadian men's player to win a Champions League title. The world is taking notice that maybe Canada does know how to play.

He had some words of advice for anyone looking up to him and following to follow in his footsteps in these tweets…

Who would have guessed it a kid from Canada, Edmonton Alberta. Most people don’t even know where that. Where it snows I’m talking -40 weather, he’s now a champion league winner 😌💪🏾🙏🏾 #AD19⚡️

— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) August 24, 2020

This one for everyone who’s chasing a dream right now, take it from me don’t give up it may seem impossible now but just keep working on your kraft keep grinding 🙏🏾

— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) August 24, 2020

Did you know three prominent Canadian players were also vying for the Champions league trophy on the women’s side? Ashley Lawrence and Jordyn Huitema played for Paris Saint-Germain, and Kadeisha Buchanan who played for the champions, Lyon—making this Buchanan’s fourth consecutive champions league title. Pretty impressive and she played a full 90 minutes to boot.

Electric City Football Club isn’t just a great opportunity for soccer in our community. What gets me excited is the potential it brings for girls in our community. This will be the first sport that offers a semi-pro opportunity in the area for girls! How amazing is that?!

According to Gatorade's “Girls In Sports” study, girls are dropping out of sports at one and a half times the rate that boys do by age 14. By age 17, more than half of girls will quit playing sports altogether. Which is a shame because it’s important for girls to find something they’re awesome at, and that it’s okay for girls to kick boys’ butts! It’s easy to write that but the reality of it is it’s tough being taught to be a female athlete. 

Society demands compliance to the enforced gender order. When these gender norms are violated, it is common for labels to be given. In fact, I’ve had my sexuality questioned on more then than one occasion only because I’m a strong athlete. I grew up with both my parents playing sports and remember my mom telling me a story that after she hit a home run in baseball, one of the husbands on the other team yelled out “I bet she stands up to pee” inferring that only a man could be strong enough to to hit a home run.

I guess he never met my sister who after her softball games would come home with Dairy Queen in hand and we would ask, “How many home runs did you hit today Kate?” Strength, determination and competitiveness doesn’t have a gender. So please, if you’re reading this stop acting like woman can’t compete, we live for game night the same way as anyone else!

All of these things feed into a pressure female athletes face. If you stand out, you don’t necessarily get the same attention a male athlete gets. Some see muscular as manly instead of strong and beautiful. Theodore Rosevelt said “comparison is the thief of joy” and unfortunately today’s girls are bombarded with images of external beauty and not enough of those confident, strong athletic female role models who kick ass.

We shouldn’t be trying to be look like each other or comparing ourselves to others because we all have a unique gift. We are all built differently and we should learn to love and embrace ourselves because let’s be honest: every single one of us is insecure about something!

So if the number of girls participating in sports starts decreases in the teenage years, then so do the programs for the sport of their choice. Meaning they have to settle to play on a less competitive team because they still want to play or they have to leave the area to pursue their dreams of playing at a higher level.

(Photo by Jay Callaghan)

Having a League1 Ontario opportunity for the girls of our area would be amazing because if you’re good enough, you’re old enough and League1 Ontario teams are made up of mixed ages, highlighting the strongest talent in the area. So I look forward to seeing the day when Electric City Football Club rolls out their women’s side!

But let’s remember one thing: Peterborough creating a Football Club doesn’t just happen over night. Look at Leeds United, for example: It only took them 16 years to get back in the Premier League and their fans have been there every step of the way! So join me from Day 1 one to support our local Football Club and be apart of watching what it will grow into.

Photo by Ontario Soccer League

And yes, I’ll be that crazy lady in the parking lot before the games tailgating and in the stands, with signs cheering for the home team!

—Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

99-Year-Old Guy Aiello Raises $20,880 For PRHC Foundation By Walking Marathon

Ninety-nine-year-old Guy Aiello, a longtime PRHC hospital supporter, walked the distance of a marathon—42.2 kilometres—to raise funds for equipment and technology at PRHC, and raised $20,880 PRHC Foundation has announced.

A PRHC Foundation donor and former hospital volunteer for almost 30 years, Guy was raised to be kind to everyone and to share what he had. In honour of his 100th birthday this fall, he was resilient in walking this far, and the community rallied behind him.

Guy walked the distance of a marathon—and then some—over the month of July to support the PRHC Foundation. He raised the funds in support of the equipment and technology that PRHC’s doctors, nurses and staff need to provide world-class care to patients.

“Our deepest thanks to Guy and everyone who supported his fundraising challenge,” PRHC Foundation says in a Facebook post. “We know the very best hospitals depend on the generosity of many donors working together and we are very grateful for your support.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Woman Who Started Football Academy In Jordan On The Impact A Pro Team Would Have On This Community She Adores

Where is “home”?

I was born and raised on a small island in Denmark called Fyn. Being part Danish and part Lebanese/Palestinian makes me a dynamic combination of the Western and Middle Eastern world—a combination I spent years trying to understand.

Quite early in my life, I knew I had to experience the world. So after a lot of travelling, I decided to move to Amman, Jordan, in 2015 where I co-founded a football academy with the purpose of helping young boys off the streets and provide a safe, fun and educational environment.

Photo by Mariam El Chiekh Khalil of football Academy she co-founded in Jordan

It is very common to see children play football on the concrete in the Middle East as it can be expensive to register with a football academy. But because football is engraved in the hearts of Arabs from a very young age, children and youngsters will play regardless of their circumstances.  

Photo by Mariam El Chiekh Khalil of football Academy she co-founded in Jordan

After running the football academy for four years and finishing my master’s degree in International Business Communication, I finally moved to Canada. By coincidence I found myself settling in Peterborough, a city that I didn’t know anything about or had ever heard of.

Photo of Mariam El Chiekh Khalil with players at football academy she co-founded in Jordan

Upon arrival in 2019 I thought to myself, will I ever be able to call this place home? Within only few days of living in Peterborough, my fear of not fitting in became completely insignificant. I was met with an extreme openness and kindness.

When I stood in the grocery store trying to figure out which coins to give to the cashier, I would always apologize and explain that I’m still quite new here. The response was always, without exception, “Oh, really. Well, welcome to Peterborough. I hope you’ll like it here.” I felt welcomed, included and within a few months I told my husband, This feels like home.

Mariam El Chiekh Khalil

But I still felt something was missing. I tried to search for a Middle Eastern community where I could mirror myself in people with a similar culture to mine.

Unfortunately, without any luck. I therefore decided to create the group “Arabs in Peterborough” on Facebook, and within no time, the group reached almost 80 members. Several group members expressed how they missed connecting with other Arabs and that they’re excited about what the group can bring to the Arabic community in Peterborough.

Photo by Mariam El Chiekh Khalil in Jordan

As my studies showed, people with another ethnic background become more whole and balanced citizens when they embrace all of their identity. My dream is for everyone to feel included and to feel like they belong, without any exceptions.

Everyone should be able to cultivate and integrate their full identity in their lives in Peterborough. This could be through food, art, music, language, religion, sports or maybe just a little chat over a cup of coffee.

When I heard about the Electric City Football Club forming here, I was immediately drawn to their love for Peterborough and their ambitions for the project. Football is an international passion and I truly envision that this project will bring our community closer together regardless of our backgrounds.

ECFC is not just for football enthusiasts, but also an initiative with pride in its community. Having a local professional football team will bring a tremendous value to the city where we all can come together as one and embrace all the beautiful cultures that we are so lucky to have in Peterborough.

—guest post by Mariam El Chiekh Khalil

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.