Meet our members: Greg Byrne

August 28, 2018 - 6 years ago

What does Wednnesday night normally look like for you? Do you love hump day, or hate it? Well…some 100+ individuals across Sydney may argue that Wednesday night is actually the HIGHLIGHT of their week!  For this lucky bunch of people, 6pm on Wednesday nights means grabbing active-wear and excitedly making their way to Alexandria, where sport, friends (new and old), teammates, music, pub drinks and a sweet community await. 

While we only launched Wednesday night leagues at this venue a few months back, indoor soccer is already SELLING OUT, and floor hockey is quickly becoming an iconic “member experience” league, where team rosters are changed each week so members play with and against each other throughout the season, culminating in a “King of the rink” being awarded to the individual player who accumulates the most points (+1 for showing up; and +1 for being on the winning team on the night).  How fun!  Potentially even more fun than playing sport though, is that the end of the night ends with a walk across the parking lot to the local clubhouse – The Rocks Brewing Co. – for some post-game socializing.  Epic.

It was one such Wednesday night that I had the pleasure of catching up with one of Urban Rec’s long-term members – Greg.  So, I invite YOU to grab a drink, indulge and let Greg tell you a little bit about himself and why Urban Rec helps light up his week. 

Greg is a legend.  Full stop.  He started playing sport with Urban Rec about 4 years ago, and throughout his playing days, he has participated in flag gridiron, basketball and soccer teams and has subbed for dodgeball, hockey and touch football.  (PIctured above with his Flag Gridiron team). And, in his words, “I am still looking to join in for more sports…the goal for next season is 3 nights per week playing sport.”

At least 4-5 years.  I’ve played flag gridiron, basketball, soccer and subbed for dodgeball, hockey and touch footy.  And…I am still looking to join in for more sports – goal next season = 3 sports.  I joined because other sports I had played all had training during the week and games on weekend, and I prefer the more social side of this.  I was nervous to join because of my age, but everyone is so welcoming….I have now captained 2x teams and everyone is so friendly!  And I’ve also now tried sports I’ve never played before.  I also love that it is all abilities, so you don’t have to be a marathon runner or semi-pro…just purely fun.

Best thing is subbing in.  It allows you to try a new sport before you commit to a full season.  I like the social things, like the end-of-season tourneys and the blacklight dodgeball tourney…pub nights with the UrbanRec cards.

Ultimate Frisbee.  But that is a really long game -> so maybe a short version of ultimate.

4th and Schlong.

I work at a behavior school, so kids who have come out of lock-up or somewhere in-and-out in between.  Some haven’t gone to lock-up and are just not making great decisions.  But a lot are doing really good things too!

I like to think I was the class clown.  But I went through a punk phase in high school…not that my kids have ever seen any of those photos.  But I always loved sports – the traditional sports in Australia.

Party Weirdo by Maloco.

Scotch.  I mean, I drink beer more, but a really nice scotch…if I can afford one…I really enjoy it.  But maybe I shouldn’t say that…makes me sound old.  All these young kids saying beer, and I’m saying scotch.  A beer’s good too.  (smiling)

Haha…(laughing)…jeeze…you throw in some really good ones Lindsay.  Why am I wearing a sombrero?!

New Member Perk: Secret Cities

August 20, 2018 - 6 years ago

The thing about living in a big city, is sometimes you can take it completely for granted. Instead of travelling to new and exciting locations on the weekend, you find yourself back at the local cafe, walking around the local park, day dreaming about times and places you used to visit when you were travelling. 

Well, thats me anyway. I have a major thirst for adventure, but I find myself in a proverbial rat race.

But this company is going to disrupt your (our) weekends in a very exciting way. 

“Think Amazing Race meets treasure hunt meets walking tour on RedBull. You’ll be exploring the city with your team on a high-speed race around town; finding clues, performing challenges – and searching for hidden gems that even the locals don’t know about.”

Interested? Of course you are. Secret Cities is relatively new, but very established adventure race company, and naturally Urban Rec has jumped on board for the fun-train. Cos we love this stuff!

They host monthly events at all different parts of the city and have even taken the show on tour to Canberra. 

You can book in with a team of 5, or just like Urban Rec, join as a solo person and you will be matched with a team, VOILA! New friends. 

All Urban Rec members will get a whopping 50% off team or individual registration into any one of their events. All you need to do is enter the code “URBANREC50” when booking. 

But theres more in store! Our Social Committee are planning both small and large scale events for you to join. It’s going to be buck wild, so keep an eye on our social page for upcoming events. (or head stay tuned on Facebook)

We are so pumped to have this new partner on board for all our members. You’re welcome.

What You Need to Know About Playing Social Sport - UrbanRec

August 10, 2018 - 6 years ago

Getting (and staying) fit can get a little tedious. Gym-time, treadmills, evening runs. So why not shake it up a bit? Playing a team sport combines cardio, strength, mental alertness, fun and a fair bit of socialising, and it’ll make your morning spin class seem a little on the dull side in no time.

One way to incorporate a little team sport fun into your fitness diet is to sign up to a league with Sydney start up UrbanRec. With 25 different leagues and locations through out Sydney, and about eight more in Canberra, UrbanRec sees about 2000-3000 people playing sport with them each week. We’re not only talking about your usual staples: basketball, soccer, netball… but also neon bowling, multi-sports, and dogdeball…

The games have a focus on socialising, rather than serious competition, and UrbanRec even has a huge discounts program at local pubs so that socialising can go on after the final whistle. It’s all about balance, after all right?

We spoke to Urban Rec Managing Director (of fun) Sydneysider Madeleine Wilke about the team sports she runs in Sydney and why you should consider signing up for a league.

So, tell us, why did you want to start up Urban Rec in Sydney?
Well, I was living in Canada and playing a version of UrbanRec there, and when I returned to Australia I realised there is nothing like it here. There are plenty of sporting clubs, yes, but it was the social side and the beginner ‘friendly-ness’ that got me hooked. I needed something like Urban Rec in my life, so I built it!

Out of all the sports you offer, what’s the most popular?
It’s an even mix between soccer, netball and ‘multi-sport’. I think soccer and netball are popular because people are more familiar with them. Especially in Australia, people at least know the basics of the game, so they gravitate to that. With ‘Multi-sport’ you play in the same team, but a different sport every week. So you’re constantly trying something new, and no one is good at every single sport, so it makes things more unpredictable and fun.

Who are the kinds of people who sign up?
We find it’s young professionals. People that work full time and are settling into the daily grind. It’s a nice way to mix up the week, and jump out of your comfort zone.

What can people expect when they turn up for their first game?
The first game is easy! We have amazing staff who go out of their way to make you feel welcome. If you are signed up as an individual, one of our league managers will be onsite to introduce your team and get you settled in with an Urban Rec team tee. Each season we go through the rules like it’s the first time, so you are never singled out. Don’t be shy to admit you are a complete newbie, and even if you have played before, be open to learning the rules again. Be ready to make friends!

Is there an equal number of guys and gals signed up? Any romances?
There’s roughly 50/50 male-female ratio in UrbanRec, which is great, because it shows women love sport just as much as men! PLENTY of romances, but a lot of people sign up with their partner too. It’s something fun and different to do together and you get to see all different sides of someone when they are competing! No weddings that I am aware of yet… but plenty of long-term love.

Lastly, what’s the one thing that everyone who signs up has in common?
The right, fun-first attitude. Everyone is playing sport for the fun of it. There are so many other competitions on offer if you want to play sport seriously, and grade up. But this is not for those people. Everyone who plays is looking for some fitness, some friends, and to not take themselves too seriously.

This blog post originally appeared on Urban Sweat Sydney and was reprinted with permission. 

Whats On: August In Sydney

July 23, 2018 - 6 years ago

CITY 2 SURF (UR CREW RACE-WALKING): SUN 12 AUG, BONDI BEACH

Join Urban Rec staff and members as we race-walk through the worlds biggest fun run. We will have Urban Rec Elmo running with us, as well as a special picnic at the finish line. Join our crew by RSVP’ing online and you will get a special UR merch pack to wear on the day including a t-shirt, sunnies, and hat. RSVP HERE. 

UR SOCO: fRI 24 AUG, MARRICKVILLE

The Urban Rec Social Committee (UR SoCo) is responsible for creating, hosting, and planning different types of events to attend and create for our members. We are now actively looking for committee members to join us for the 2018/2019 planning! RSVP HERE. 

RETURN 2 RECESS TRIAL & GAME DAY:  SAT 1 SEP, CAMPERDOWN PARK

We're looking for 10-20 people to join us for a sunny day of games in the park. We are launching Return to Recess, and we have 30 games to trial. Turn up with a friend, or friends, and we will set you through your paces playing a selection of fun, random games from your days of school.  After each game, you will be asked to rate the game based on FUN, FITNESS, and INTEREST LEVEL. Games will be everything from Backyard Cricket to Pacman, to Tips, and skipping, piggy in the middle, and plenty more. RSVP HERE. 

How to Play Competitively in a Social Sports League

July 19, 2018 - 6 years ago

White line fever is real. You’re a good human normally, but as asoon as you cross that line onto the field something takes over. 

We run competitive sports, you’re playing to win. We get it, and what’s the point in playing if you don’t want to win, right? But NEWSFLASH, there’s a way to win gracefully. 

We spoke to our event hosts to get their tips on how to play competitvely in a social sports league, without being a dick. 

“Don’t exploit weaknesses in other teams. If you are playing against a player who is relatively beginner, and you are more experienced, move away from this player and mark someone else who is more challenging.” Donald, UR Canberra

“Competitive doesn’t = aggressive. You can play hard, and skillful without being intimidating or aggressive. Smile. It lets the opposition know you are having fun, and you don’t mean anything agressive in your game.” Mads, UR Sydney

“If your team want to play hard, don’t then get upset when your opposition meets you at that level. Sometimes a good, heated, and competitive game is what people want, but if your opposition sense your energy, they will meet you there, don’t get upset because you set the tone.” Sam, Touch Footy

“If you can see a team are competely beginner, smashing them on the scoreboard does absolutely nothing. It makes them feel like shit, and you look like a pack a douche bags. Find a way to challenge your team, and have fun with it. Work on your defense, or make some challenging passes, or shots for fun.” Danny, Soccer

”Don’t show off. Remind yourself this is a local social sports game, you look silly side stepping and running trick shots, if you want to level up your play, save it for the big league” Daniel, Flag Gridiron

”Praise the opposition, keep your talk positive and only about your team and have a laugh! Even if you play hard but fair, the way you conduct yourself goes a long way. You should be excited to play every team even if one has more ability than the other, the social aspect brings fun to every week!" Zak, Multisport

“Engage the other team. Always start and finish each session with a handshake no matter what. Have some banter. Make sure there is a joke or two going between you and the oppositon, it helps to ease any tension during play. Be self-deprecating. Laugh at yourself went you miss a shot or fumble the ball. Congratulate the other team if they make a good shot, block or steal. You want to be friends with these people in the pub after the game, and you want them to come back next season to play.” Andy, Basketball

“Learn the rules of the sport that you're going to be playing, don't be afraid to ask more experienced players (on your team or the opposition) for a little guidance and ask the host for clarification if you don't understand something. If you're an experienced player, don't try to exploit rules and play within the spirit of the game.” Jamie, Netball

Whats On: July in Sydney

July 2, 2018 - 6 years ago

It’s due to be a HUGE month at Urban Rec Sydney, so we decided to make it simple. This is your chance to play sport with us this Winter. Some of our leagues have already launched, but the bulk is happening this July. 

Play Soccer

Choose from our Street Soccer leagues in North Sydney and Camperdown on Thursday nights. Or join the outdoor Soccer league in Maroubra. Our Centennial Park league is now on hold till September. 

Play Flag Gridiron 

We consolidated our Flag Gridiron leagues for the Winter and are now running just one league on Monday nights in St Peters. But do not worry. Our Eastern Suburbs league will be back in the Spring on Tuesday nights!

Play Dodgeball

Launching in the first week of July, our Dodgeball leagues are both raring to go. The Wed nights in Marrickville are a sold out event, and the Tuesday league in Woolloomooloo is going strong and with a new clubhouse this season, we are excited to show the teams a fun time this Winter!

Play Netball

Our Netball leagues are super popular, and even though most of them are outdoors, netballers bloody love it. You can choose from 3 types of Netball. Your regular 7-aside Netball on Monday nights in Redfern. Then Fast5 Netball on Tuesdays in Redfern and Wednesdays in Moore Park. We also have another version of Netball played in North Sydney on Wednesdays, this is called Street Netball, and it’s so different, but so fun. 

Play Multisport

Our ever-popular Multisport leagues are all looking to start up again. We have our Wednesday night competition in Redfern, and one in North Sydney which normally attracts the after work crowd. Then our OG league, which is in Pyrmont on Thursday nights. Each of our locations offer varying types of sport including Basketball, Netball, Hockey, Tag Footy, Dodgeball, Soccer, and even Benchball. You never know what you’re going to get, and it makes for lots of fun. 

Play Volleyball

Our Rebound Volleyball league is consistently the most fun sport we offer. Played on a squash court this variation of regular indoor volleyball is good for beginners, and people wanting to try something new or test their skills. We always get 6-8 teams every season, and the tunes, and post game drinks makes this league different and unique. Where will we launch the next one?

Play Basketball

Our Basketball leagues are famously different and more fun. We offer the skill level thats for beginners and people not wanting to take it too seriously. So it’s all the good parts of streetball and pickup, built into a league with consistent games, and teams. You can play in this league on Thursday nights in Redfern. Starting very soon. 

Blacklight Dodgeball

June 22, 2018 - 6 years ago

Urban Rec took over Zetland with a HUGE Blacklight Dodgeball Tournament. 

The event called for all the fun-loving uncoordinated humans of the world. 12 teams dodged their way through laser-lights, smoke and competed for the winning place.  There was glow in the dark face paint, Dollar Bing Darling DJ’s and an epic amount of glow in the dark sticks. 

Check out the below video for a small teaser of what went down.

f you want to play Dodgeball with Urban Rec we have 3 leagues running across Sydney and Canberra. Click here to see league locations and start dates.

• Dodgeball in Marrickville – Wed & Thu nights
• Dodgeball in Woolloomooloo – Tue nights
• Dodgeball in Braddon (CBR) – Thu nights

Want Urban Rec to help you host an event like this, we offer plenty of options for corporate days, team building, or simply because you’re worth it. Check out our events page for more info.

Monthly Merits: MAY

May 30, 2018 - 7 years ago

Did you know that internally, we always announce monthly winners. As voted by UR HQ and our staff, we give props to the leagues, teams, players, and staff members we feel are hitting the Urban Rec nail on the head. We just realised, you guys might like to know… der. So here is it. May 

LEAGUE OF THE MONTH

WINNERS: Basketball in Camperdown, Monday nights

WHY: Starting back in 2016 when we decided to offer Basketball for the first time in Newington College we only had 4 teams. Proudly, all four of those teams, STILL play in this league. We have moved to Camperdown, and every single Monday the teams turn up with the right attitude and approach to social basketball. There are no heroes, no legends, just fun-loving people. 

team of the month

WINNERS: money $hots

WHY: Oh my god. The history in this team is beyond belief. Originally starting as an individual team way back in 2013, Money$hots were one of our original teams to join. We played outdoors in Marrickville, and it was a new and exciting sport for us. The team Money$hots chose their name as a member has played in another team overseas with the same name. This was now an international team brand. Over the years the team mates have changed. People have moved on, moved countries, and gone on to have babies. But the friendships are strong, and their approach to the game has never changed. They are honest, they are fun, and they are always the first to invite you to the pub. This team are creme-de-la-creme, and we are proud to call them home-grown. 

player of the month

WINNER: richard, bo’s knowes (flag gridiron)

WHY: Richard came to Urban Rec just a short time ago, but the impact he has had on not only his team, but the entire league is undeniable. Richard is proof that one person can indeed change and effect the energy of an entire league. Every time our season is coming to a close, he has been carefully home-brewing a special drop, just for the teams to enjoy. He emulates Urban Rec, and without him, the Flag Gridiron community would suffer. 

event host of the month

WINNER: michelle, (dodgeball and Multisport)

WHY: Michelle graduated from a player to an Urban Rec event host this year, but her enthusiasm for growing and supporting Urban Rec has been evident since the day she joined. She goes above and beyond to contribute to the events, leagues, and social nights we hosts. She is the most thourough, and thoughtful event host, and does not miss a beat. She will happily go out of her way. 

New Member Perks at Skyzone, Strike Bowling, & Holey Moley Golf

May 24, 2018 - 7 years ago

You know what’s fun, being a KIDULT! Urban Rec are all about getting our members to grown down a little bit, and have some relaxed fun. That’s why this NEW Partnership is the most exciting thing to happen in YEARS. 

Funlab are the brainchild behind some of Australia’s most exciting experiential venues. Just like us, they know how to be a big kid, but with all the benefits of being an actualt adult (read booze). 

We have hosted events at these venues before, and we know you are going to love this new member perk for ALL URBAN REC MEMBERS. (Thats right, all 9,000+ of you!). 

ENJOY $10 ACTIVITIES AND $5 HOUSE DRINKS AT ANY OF THESE SYDNEY VENUES, mon through thu. 

You heard that right, you can have some random fun, and a drink for $15. I mean….. YOU’RE WELCOME. 

• SKYZONE – Alexandria and Miranda
• STRIKE BOWLING BAR –  Entertainment Quarter (Moore Park), King Street Wharf, Macquarie, Chatswood, Castle Towers and Charlestown
• HOLEY MOLEY GOLF – Newtown and Darlinghurst coming soon

Find out more, and how to access these discounts by clicking here. (You will need to show your Urban Rec Member card). 

That’s not all folks. 

They are giving us a bunch of double passes to give away to YOU GUYS. So if you display epic sportsmanship, you could WIN access to these venues for FREE. OR if you love to hedge your bets, you could join our weekly competition on our Facebook page, where you vote for the winning teams, and win WEEKLY PRIZE PACKS. 

Lastly, watch this space as we announce more social events and parties to round out a killer year of epic events. 

Autumn Season FitBit GiveAway!

March 16, 2018 - 7 years ago

YO YO YO!

Autumn is here, and the Urban Rec spirit is falling all around us just like the leaves are falling from the trees!

With Autumnal cheer come Autumnal Prizes! 

*Enters Fitbit Blaze* *Crowd Goes Wild*

This Autumn Season we are giving away a One brand new FItbit Blaze.

Every Indiviudal registered player will be entered into a draw. The draw will be made on the 10th May 2018.

Kickstart your ‘fit life’ with this fitness tracker or simply use it to tell the time or track how long the sunday arvo nap was! Either way its a super cool prize! 

Good Luck!

Go on, you good things!