Thank You 2018

December 10, 2018 - 5 years ago

Well, it was another HUGE year for Urban Rec and we could not be more proud of this little sports club and what we have achieved. 

December 6th also marked our 7th birthday, and it’s always nice to look back to how far we have come in seven short years. Starting as a humble touch footy comp in Glebe, and we now have over 12,000+ members across Australia – we feel like we might just be onto something. 

Here is a re-cap of what has happened this year within the walls of UR HQ. 

Social Events and Tournaments

• Adventure Golf Day
• Superbowl Tournament
• Blacklight Dodgeball
• City 2 Surf
• Handball Tournament
• Return to Recess Day
• Activation BBQ’s with Frank Strong

New locations and leagues

• First full year in Canberra
• Launched new sports at All Sorts Indoor Sports
• Our new venue at PCYC Redfern
• Sunday Softball in Marrickville
• Touch Footy in Centennial Park
• Flag Gridiron on the North Shore
• 7’s Netball in Moore Park Mondays

Perks and fun stuff for our members

• Introduced pub nights
• New partnership with Funlab (The people behind, Skyzone, Holy Moley, and Strike Bowling)
• Partnership with Secret Cities
• Prizes for Captains
• Multiple fancy dress nights too many to count
• New Clubhouses
• Formed the Social Committee 
• Ran weekly giveaways with our Partners on Facebook

The Numbers

• Sydney –  with 109 leagues, 745 teams, 1099 individuals.
• Canberra – with 21 leagues, and 125 teams, 243 individuals. 

The People

• Madeleine our Aussie founder celebrated 7 years of working for UR, and also managed to have a baby!
• Lindsay our League Manager celebrates 3 years with Urban Rec, and became a Master Diving instructor.
• Danny our Member Experience Manager celebrates his first year with Urban Rec, and also got engaged!
• Donald celebrates 1 year running Urban Rec Canberra, and quit his day job!

What does 2019 hold

The future is golden and we love to set new goals. The mission is to get Urban Rec in as many locations as possible. We want to continue to be inclusive, fun.  We want to get as many people as possible playing sports and being active not only on the pitch, but active in their social circles too. 

• We want to partner with a beer company, to make our drinking habit on brand!
• New leagues in Hills District
• Watch out Northern NSW
• Flagship social events as well as more smaller events with our partner venues 
• Launch a tenpin bowling league in the city 

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King of The Diamond Spring Softball

October 25, 2018 - 5 years ago

WEEK 1 , sunday 23 SEPTEMBER

The sun was shining as our brand new league launched this Sunday. With a ton of newbies showing up it was so good to see new faces to Urban Rec as well as a bunch of veterans. The veteran players helped beyond measure showing other players where to pitch, how to hit, which is music to the ears of newbie players. The teams were split into birthday months, and set on their merry way. The first 2 innings there was definitely nerves on the field and it closed a 2 a piece. The next 5 innings is when the fun really begin. The teams both stacked with females, they were soon dominating through the diamond. Seven innings were played with a tight contest, but there could only be one winner….

EDDIE wins player of the week. You have won FREE Urban Rec Merch. He was super helpful, fun and had plenty of banter between teams. You are this weeks league legend. 

WEEK 2, SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER:

It has been three weeks since the last softball outing.  Everyone turned up early itching to play, including some new faces.  This week we divided the teams based on favourite holiday destination = Eurostars vs Kiwis.  It was a tightly fought game where the game was tied at 11-11 with one inning left to play.  The pressure and the banter increased as the Kiwis took the match 13-11.

Player of the match goes to DANIEL for being such a socialite amongst both teams.

WEEK 3, SUNDAY 21 OCTOBER:

It as a great day to be out in the park.  We divided the teams up by favourite food.  A cool breeze was flowing through as players ran between the bases.  The balls were flying today as we finished multiple innings with 7 runs.  Everyone has improved exponentially after a couple of weeks!

Player of the match was KATE for being a consistently great player on and off the field.  She is also one of the few who has read the rules!

RANKING TABLE

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King Of the Street- Street Soccer

October 3, 2018 - 5 years ago

Street Soccer King Of The Street-Braddon

Week 10

It was great to see most of you there for the last week of Street Soccer and it came down to the last game to crown the winner. James ended KING through a combination of skill and turning up he made it to the top of the table and took home the Cup, champ shirt and a $50 Ruc voucher. League Legend went to Bhanuka for being an all round legend during the league. Great work to all and thanks to Andrew for being an excellent host. Hopefully we will see you all at our Sunday Outdoor Comp Starting in January or our Monday St Soccer Comp starting in Feb. 

FINAL TABLE 

James Sissins - 16 pts

Alexis Fouret - 15 pts

Mark McKey - 15 pts

Luke Verghese - 13 pts

Thusus winter - 12 pts

Ashley Stuart - 11 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 10 pts

Liam Webb - 8 pts

Kayannie denigan - 7 pts

Lachlan Bayliss- 4 pts

Bec Butler 2 pt 

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Week 9

Second last game of the season and it was a high scoring entertaining game. The result was 17-15 and all players showed great skill on the ball. With the result, there is a tie between two players up at the top. Next week will be super exciting with 4 players in the running for top spot and crowned king of the street for the spring season. It couldn’t be closer!

RANKING TABLE 

James Sissins - 14 pts

Alexis Fouret - 14 pts

Mark McKey - 13 pts

Luke Verghese - 12 pts

Thusus winter - 10 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 9 pts

Ashley Stuart - 9 pts

Liam Webb - 8 pts

Kayannie denigan - 6 pts

Lachlan Bayliss- 4 pts

Bec Butler 2 pt 

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Week 8 

Great weather conditions again this week. Started off evenly balanced before one team took charge and had a goal scoring frenzy in the third quarter. The top of the ladder looks very close with four players separated by only 2 points. 2 weeks to go. Player of the week is James Sissins. Great skill in both attack and defence. Top effort.

James has now leapfrogged into first position. What will happen in the final two weeks? Can he retain his spot or will Alexis, Luke and Mark dethrone him? Mathmatically there’s still 5 players who can be King Of the Street. What’s the prize you ask? Well it’s worth turning up the next 2 weeks for that for sure. 

RANKING TABLE 

James Sissins - 13 pts

Alexis Fouret - 12 pts

Mark McKey - 11 pts

Luke Verghese - 11 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 9 pts

Ashley Stuart - 9 pts

Thusus winter - 8 pts

Liam Webb - 6 pts

Kayannie denigan - 5 pts

Lachlan Bayliss- 4 pts

Bec Butler 2 pt 

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Week 7 

Great turnout for everyone, we had a very close 4v4 game. Great weather for an hour of fun cardio session. The points table is looking very close up top and nothing is set in stone as yet. there are only three weeks left. It could go down to the final gameday to decide an official king/queen of the street soccer winner. 

Week 7 League Legend- Goes to Banu. He was strong in defence and had a couple of goal scoring moments. Great asset to the team. Well done. 

RANKING TABLE 

Alexis Fouret - 12 pts

James Sissins - 12 pts

Mark McKey - 10 pts

Luke Verghese - 9 pts

Thusus winter - 8 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 7 pts

Ashley Stuart - 7 pts

Kayannie denigan - 5 pts

Liam Webb - 5 pts

Lachlan Bayliss- 4 pts

Bec Butler 2 pt 

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Week 6 

Another great week we played 4v4. The range of skills on show were great from both teams and it was a close 14-12 game, down to the last minute. A very entertaining game with plenty of great encouraging and friendly banter from Andrew (His words). It turns out that whatever goal Andrew stood behind, the ball ended up in the goals. The play of the week goes to luke V. He was a solid rock in defence and intercepted quite a few shots on goals from the opponent. A great afternoon to play soccer. See you all next week Donald and Andrew

Week 6 Legend The player of the week goes to luke V. He was a solid rock in defence and intercepted quite a few shots on goals from the opponent. A great afternoon to play soccer. 

RANKING TABLE 

Alexis Fouret - 11 pts

Mark McKey - 10 pts

James Sissins - 10 pts

Luke Verghese - 7 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 6 pts

Thusus winter - 6 pts

Kayannie denigan - 5 pts

Ashley Stuart - 5 pts

Liam Webb - 5 pts

Lachlan Bayliss- 4 pts

Bec Butler 2 pt 

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Week 5 

We had a great time at street soccer on Sunday afternoon. Great to get a 4v4 game happening. All players showed great skills and there were plenty of goals scored all up. The ladder is still pretty close so do make sure you’re turning up and playing to get points. The weather for Sunday looks great so We’re looking forward to seeing everyone out there. 

Week 5 League Legend Mark, he played well with his team and created lots of scoring opportunities for his team. 

RANKING TABLE

Alexis Fouret - 9 pts

Mark McKey - 8 pts

James Sissins - 8 pts

Luke Verghese - 6 pts

Kayannie denigan - 5 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 5 pts

Thusus winter - 5 pts

Ashley Stuart - 4 pts

Lachlan Bayliss- 4 pts

Liam Webb - 3 pts

Bec Butler 2 pt 

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Week 4 

A great turnout for Sunday, we had 8 players and played 4v4. The rain held out and the cloud cover made it a pleasant experience for all players. It was a great game with awesome skills on display. 

Week 4 League Legend  Alexis, he almost initiated a comeback for his team with bursts of energy, played some great balls to his teammates and was an alround legend. 

RANKING TABLE

Alexis Fouret - 7 pts

Mark McKey - 6 pts

James Sissins - 6 pts

Luke Verghese - 5 pts

Kayannie denigan - 5 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 4 pts

Ashley Stuart - 4 pts

Thusus winter - 3 pts

Lachlan Bayliss- 3pts

Liam Webb - 3 pts

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Bec Butler 1 pt 

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Week 3 

We got back to 5v5 in week 3 and it was heaps of fun! 4 quaters with teams changing each round made it fun every game. It wasn’t as hot which was good and we had some new faces down at the game. The games got much more competitive as the day went on and everyone is starting to get to know how to work with each other. 

Week 3 League Legend Lee, he came down to fill in and he won the shooting comp. 

RANKING TABLE

Alexis Fouret - 6 pts

Mark McKey - 4 pts

Luke Verghese - 4 pts

Kayannie denigan - 4 pts

James Sissins - 4 pts

Thusus winter - 3 pts

Lachlan Bayliss- 3pts

Ashley Stuart - 2 pts

Liam Webb - 2 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 2 pts

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Bec Butler 1 pt 

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Week 1 & 2

Street soccer has kicked off with a bang. We’ve had perfect weather for the past 2 weeks, some epic soccer in week one was followed by a smaller game in week 2 due to the long weekend. Shit did we get a workout in the sun though. We played 4 quaters due to the heat and mixed the teams up each quarter with the players who were in the most winning teams taking away the points. Most games where hotly contested and heaps of fun. Alexis was the only player who got a W in all of his games. Andrew was rocking the footy colours even though we think his team may have never made a final in their history. We can’t wait to see you all next week. 

Oh and how good were the beers at the RUC? We’ll be there for post match again this week. 

LEAGUE LEGEND

Week 2

Ashley Stuart who got a prize on Sunday for winning the cross bar challenge with an epic kick. Good work brother he took home a pair of Urban Rec Sunnies that he’s probably been wearing ever since. 

RANKING TABLE

Alexis Fouret - 4 pts

Mark McKey - 4 pts

Thusus winter - 3 pts

Ashley Stuart - 2 pts

Luke Verghese - 2 pts

Kayannie denigan - 2 pts

James Sissins - 2 pts

Liam Webb - 2 pts

Bhanuka Amarasekera - 1 pt

Sam Greatorex - 1 pt

Chris Guymer - 1 pt

Sarika Guymer - 1 pt

Bec Butler

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Return to Recess Games

September 26, 2018 - 5 years ago

🐠 Gone Fishing: A Skipping inspired game where you need to collect food, and not get ‘fished’

💠 Matball: Kickball, but with large bases

🎯 Monster Ball: A game of throwing to keep the monster ball away from your quad

⚽ ‘Net’cer or Boccer: a hybrid game of Soccer, and Netball or Basketball

🎾 Handball/Foursquare: If you never played, did you even have a childhood?

🔥🍦Volcanoes & Icecreams: A running game to get most cones turned over

👑Ultimate Kangaroo: Epic classic catches with varying types of balls, headed for the end zone

🐣Rob The Nest: Compete for time to collect the most items from one anothers ‘nest’

👫 Human Sideline Soccer: Soccer with the help of attacking sideline players

🏐Hoopla: A variation of Netball

🎒Benchball: A hybrid game of basketball, and Netball, played on a bench

🥚🥄Three – Legged Egg & Spoon Race: Half race, half obstable course, a challenging take on the tradtiional race

💯100’s: A challenging game utilising lots of activities from yester-year

⚠ 4 Way Dodgeball: A game of fast hits, quick elimination, and levelling up through rounds

🏏 Qwick Cricket: A faster, and more fun version of cricket

⚾ Rounders: An adaptation of Softball, designed to play on a small court

🚩 Capture The Flag: A Strategy game, where teams need to find and retrieve a flag to win.

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Introducing: Social Experience Leagues

September 11, 2018 - 5 years ago

If you’ve been living under a rock, you might not yet know how much we care about creating a social environment for players to meet new people and maybe even make new friends. To highlight the importance of this, and also because it’s farking cool. Urban Rec are officially launching a small collection of Social Experience Leagues. 

The Format of a Social Experience League

• In a social experience league you will participate in the season as an individual, accruing points for yourself in a “King of the Court” style format. 
• You will show up at an alloted time slot, and be allocated onto a team, chosen by your event host
• Playing on a different team each week, you will earn points for playing and winning
• At the end of the season, one individual player will be crowned ‘King of the Street,’ as the winner of the league
• In these leagues, the point system is structured such that the winner isn’t always the best player. It encourages consistent participation!At the beginning of each game, there will be a fun way to split the group into teams. Then, each game, points are distributed as follows:
  • 0 = no show
  • 1 = showing up & playing on the losing team
  • 2 = showing up & playing on the winning team

The Purpose of a Social Experience League

• To get you meeting and playing with as many different people as possible
• To learn the rules to your sport in a fun and easy environment
• To socialise after the game – hello post game brews

The Social Experience Leagues to choose from

1. Sunday Softball Marrickville
2. Sunday Flag Gridiron Cammeray
3. Wednesday Hockey Alexandria
4. Tuesday Return to Recess Camperdown
5. Sunday Street Soccer Braddon (CBR)

FAQ’s

• I am registering as an individual, do I need to show up every week? You don’t have to, but you have paid for 10 games (or 10 weeks), so up to you how often you show up. 
• How many games will happen each week? Depending on the players registered, and how many show up, there could be 1-4 games played on the afternoon/night. 
• What if not enough players show up to get a game? We ensure there’s enough players to make a game happen on a weekly basis. 
• What if theres enough for 3 teams? We will organise a tournament to be played over the courts of the allocated time, so you will have the same amount of game time but in a  different format. 
• Can I join this league after it has started? Yes, you can. But the schedule may have started so you might have missed some games. If appropriate some rego fee’s may be pro-rated. 
• Will these leagues always be SEL’s? No, not forever. Some leagues may continue like this for a few seasons, and some might switch to normal UR Leagues. Some of them, (Return to Recess) are designed as a Social Experiences. 
• Is there an online published standings table for leagues like this? Not yet – we are working on making this possible, but your event host will be able to share the table with you in person each week. 

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The Greatest Game Ever Played - By Daniel John Skidmore

August 30, 2018 - 5 years ago

“The Greatest Game Ever Played” – By Daniel John William Skidmore.

Leading up to this cold autumnal evening in may nobody could have expected what was to come…

This is but a brief description of an encounter between top of the table Mixed Nuts and clear underdogs Unicorns FC that were lying mid table.  I will now do my upmost to portray what I witnessed on this fateful night.

As usual Mixed Nuts started well, crisp passing, movement off the ball, happy to keep the ball and build patiently towards a goal scoring opportunity. With strong centre back Georgia Kriz organising the back-line and the wonder midfield craftswoman Belinda Seers commanding the middle of pitch, Unicorns seemed to be dealing well with ongoing pressure from Mixed Nuts.

After a continued onslaught of attack Mixed Nuts broke the deadlock with a screamer of a shot (at least 12 yards out!) from Nick “The Rocket” Vale bottom left hand corner, keeper had no chance.

This seemed to spark the structured Unicorns into action, pinpoint passing from Andy Mc Clure saw the ball fall perfectly for the Croatian puppy TOMMMMMMMY KOCH! GOAL! Mixed Nuts caught napping, scores 1-1.

A real war of attrition ensued both teams unable to get a break through, driving runs from the brilliant Cait Wrigley saw the Nuts come close on a few occasions only for the incredible acrobatics of Unicorns goalkeeper Lufti Hady to deny the goal time after time.

HALF TIME 1-1

Captain, Talisman, Hero…call him what you want but it was time for Tim Judge to step outside the comfort zone and rally the troops to inspire a historical upset!... He did not let us down, Timmy judge made a controversial substitution at half time bringing on the mighty Georgie Simon. George has been known for his temper issues in the past but he seemed to have put them all behind him and commanded the team for long periods of this defiant performance. Ciara Keenaghan, remember the name! This girl is special! Quick feet, great lines of attack and a wicked right boot… the same right boot that puts “UNICORRRRRRNS” 2-1 up with 10 to go!

Mixed Nuts stunned… “COME ON NUTS” cries Steve Hickey, usually so composed at the back. The ball at his feet Steve looks up and picks out the holding midfielder Sophie Giakoumidis, she turns, carries the ball forward, sees Celia Joyce making a run in behind the defensive line, Sophie threads the ball like cotton through the eye of a needle. No space for a touch Celia hits it first time, the crowd holds their breath, its rising, rising, “ITS IN, ITS ONLY FUCKIN IN” what a goal from Celia, a real collectors item that goal!

2-2 5mins to go. GAME ON!

The momentum of the game had really changed with the goal and saw the Unicorns defending valiantly from repeated attacks from the Nuts. “An unstoppable force meets an immoveable object” this is how this game was beginning to look. Must be a draw, must be…

Both teams exhausted nearing the final whistle, a draw, a fair result… but will somebody become a hero, a thing of legend? Step up Alasdair Dolan, a magical passing move saw the whole Nuts team touch the ball, from one end of the pitch to another in a matter of seconds! A Wrigley cross sent the ball into the danger zone of the Unicorns penalty area…. Dolan leaping like a Salmon he rose above the defenders and heads the ball top bins, there was no way the keeper could have got to it! I CANT BELIEVE IT! 3-2 NUTS!

By the time the ball had stopped spinning in the back of the net it was over, the final whistle went! The teams congratulate and commiserate each other, mutual respect all round. Great game!

(Danny Skidmore – “This game was genuinely the best game I have hosted during my time at urban rec. Although competitive the game was played in the right spirit and everyone involved had the best time.)

Disclaimer – Some of the above details were slightly exaggerated or completely fabricated, but the FACT of the matter is that the game was amazing and both teams played in true Urban Rec spirit.

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Meet our members: Greg Byrne

August 28, 2018 - 5 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?!

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New Member Perk: Secret Cities

August 20, 2018 - 5 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.

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What You Need to Know About Playing Social Sport - UrbanRec

August 10, 2018 - 5 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. 

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Whats On: August In Sydney

July 23, 2018 - 5 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. 

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