Club Connect
Fall 2025

Nick’s journey reflected that growth. By his second year, he stepped up to lead the Don McGahan Clubhouse’s community project. Blending his love for sports with his passion for giving back, Nick managed every detail of BGC Ottawa’s Senior’s Night at Mooney’s Bay. The event brought Members from all four clubhouses together for games, food and connection – a joyful celebration of what young leaders can achieve.

“Organizing that event taught me how essential communication is,” said Nick. “It also showed me the value of putting yourself out there. Skills don’t mean much unless you use them.”

Preparing for the future

Like all 82 youths who participated in L4L this year, Nick gained far more than workshop knowledge. From financial literacy to everyday time-management strategies, he was equipped for life beyond the clubhouse.

“Simple advice like ‘don’t overpack your schedule’ and ‘use a calendar’ really made a difference,” said Nick. Today, he uses those tools daily as he balances university coursework, athletics and personal goals.

In June, Nick received the Paul Conway Memorial Scholarship, a $4,000 award made possible through the generosity of donor Mike Wood. For Nick, it was more than financial support. “Receiving this award showed me that people believe in my vision,” he said. “It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and allows me to focus on becoming an accountant.”

The bigger picture

Nick’s story is just one example of the impact L4L has on participants. This year, thanks to your support:

• 82 Members developed leadership and life skills.
• Participants strengthened their communication, workplace readiness and financial literacy.
• Every Grade 12 participant graduated high school.
• Young leaders gave back through community projects, from fundraising for the Ottawa Mission to hosting a community event and supporting intergenerational connection.

At the heart of it all are young people like Nick, who walk in with curiosity and walk out with confidence, leadership and a vision for the future.

Thank you for making it possible

Your support ensures that BGC Ottawa Members don’t just prepare for life after high school – they thrive in it. Because of you, young leaders like Nick discover their voices, build their skills and step into their futures with confidence.

As Nick put it best:

“The L4L program, and this scholarship, remind me that my hard work matters. And that means everything.”

Behind the scenes with Leaders 4 Life

What makes the L4L program unique?

According to Mentorship Coordinator and Program Lead Elietra, it’s the way participants are pushed to turn lessons into action. “In today’s world, we often talk about leadership, but we stop there,” she explained. “With L4L, youth don’t just learn concepts. They run events from start to finish, they plan, they problem-solve, and they see firsthand what it takes to bring people together.”

At each clubhouse, youth are tasked with designing and executing their own community project. Facilitators provide minimal direction; the decisions and responsibilities fall to the participants. That’s where the magic happens.

“You see the natural leaders emerge, of course,” said Elietra. “But you also see the quieter leaders – the ones making sure everyone is heard, that tasks get done, that the group succeeds as a team. Those moments are just as powerful.”

It’s this kind of learning – immersive, challenging and empowering – that makes L4L a life-changing experience for youth across Ottawa.

“It felt like a Make-a-Wish Day”

For many youths, this was their first-ever professional sporting event. As Sabrina Gouchie, Clubhouse Manager at BGC Ottawa, shared “It literally felt like a Make-a-Wish Day. The kids were treated like celebrities from start to finish, and by the end of the day they left not just as spectators, but as true racing fans.”

She added: “Walking into that VIP suite, seeing the cars up close, meeting the drivers – it was jaw-dropping for the kids. You could see them light up with excitement and pride. It showed them that they belong in those spaces, too.”

One Member summed it up best: “At the start of the day I didn’t know anything about racing. By the end – I had a favourite car and driver!”

Families felt the impact, too

Parents were just as moved by the experience:

“From start to finish, everything was so well organized and welcoming – even as casual fans, the event got us all feeling like lifelong enthusiasts!”

– The Chappell & Charbonneau-Tremblay Family

“It brought us closer together in such a meaningful way. We are deeply grateful for this unforgettable experience!”

– The Crete Family

Gratitude in the driver’s seat

This extraordinary opportunity showed the true power of generosity. What might have seemed like a simple donation of tickets turned into a memory that families will treasure for a lifetime.

From all of us at BGC Ottawa, thank you JC, Jason, Marc-Antoine, the Tomlinson Family and to everyone who made this experience possible. Your kindness created lasting joy, stronger community connections and unforgettable moments for our Members and families.

Since then, what started with just a handful of participants has grown into a thriving weekly program that sometimes sees more than 20 girls on the field. Beyond learning the game, they’re building friendships, confidence and resilience. Many are even carrying those skills into co-ed soccer, showing the courage to claim their place.

“It’s such a kind, supportive space. They cheer each other on, help each other up and truly embody what sportsmanship should look like.” – Kassandra Marshall

“I’ve watched girls go from shyly standing still on the turf to running hard, leading their peers and mentoring younger players,” said Kassandra.

That transformation reflects why she feels so passionate about the program. “I grew up playing soccer, and I know how much sports can shape a young person – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Seeing these girls arrive excited to play every week reminds me why I love this work. It warms my heart to see the joy and confidence they’re finding here.”

Looking ahead, Kassandra hopes to expand the program to include older age groups and offer even more opportunities for girls to stay active and engaged. The long-term vision is to grow participation, strengthen leadership opportunities and ensure that every girl feels welcome in sport – whether on a girls-only team or in a co-ed game.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors. Because of you, what began as a small pilot has become a thriving program where girls discover their confidence on and off the field.

Every time a girl steps onto the turf with courage, your support is right there with her.

Girls-Only Soccer: By the numbers

• 📍 Location: Don McGahan Clubhouse
• 👧 Ages: 6–12 (with plans to expand to teens)
• ⚽ Started with: 5 participants
• 🌟 Now serving: 20+ girls weekly
• 📅 Frequency: 1 hour per week during the school year
• 💬 Highlights: Growth in confidence, leadership and participation in co-ed programs

Why it matters

• Creates a safe, welcoming space for girls to play without pressure.
• Builds confidence, teamwork and resilience on and off the field.
• Inspires future leaders through mentorship and role modeling.
• Supported by donors who ensure every girl has a place to belong.