Urban Rec Lovers: Leish & Darcy

February 10, 2022 - 2 years ago

So, word has it you guys met through Urban Rec, how did that happen? What sport? What league? What situation?

We had known of each other from a mutual friend a year before Darcy started playing with Urban Rec. Darcy started in one of the Basketball Leagues and I didn’t really see much of him. He then joined one of the Netty Leagues and I started slowly stepping up my sideline banter whilst he was playing (telling him was shit at shooting 3s). Short story short, the banter got more and more & that turned into getting a drink, which turned into a second date and 2 weeks later we were officially dating. 

How long have you been dating? How serious is this? Living together? engaged? babies on the way?

Almost 14 months, basically lived together since COVID lockdown but officially roommates since December! No babies, Leish is impatiently waiting for a puppy…. 

Were you both using online dating apps before or when you met?

We were on them but both kind of weren’t that active with using them. A date here and there, a bored swipe every other day. Shits & Gigs. 

With your dating history, is online or offline dating better or worse?

OFFLINE! We both have old souls and think meeting the old fashioned way is the best way! Meeting organically is wayyy less pressure. 

Tell me why you think Urban Rec was the inevitable way for you to meet your current squeeze?

We didn’t know until it happened! Whilst we knew of each other before we definitely wouldn’t have started dating without UrbanRec! Like we said before, our old souls brought us together organically. It’s an easy, less stress way to meet to people and have genuine connections. 

Tell me one thing about your partner that would make them cringe for you sharing?

Darcy does ‘fake’ wrestling and his wrestler name is Hugh- Beauty  (I can hear him say ‘it’s not fake Leish’). Leish sometimes gives a little piggy snort when I make her laugh too hard 

What's the secret sauce to making your relationship fun?

We are definitely on the same wave length and have the same sense of humour. We’re constantly laughing and always never go to bed mad at each other, say I love you at least once a day! Also, never watch a tv show episode without the other person…

Describe your partner in 3 words!

Leish about Darcy: Nerdy, Gentle, Goofy. Darcy about Leish: Compassionate, Smiley, Social

If you could only play one sport with your partner for the rest of time, what would you choose and why?

 Basketball, all day, every day. We just have so much fun when we’re playing together, collecting dimes, shooting 3s and playing smart not hard (also known as not playing defence). 

Lastly, tell others why you think meeting people and dating through Urban Rec is a good idea?

It is the absolute best and easy way to meet people. There’s no pressure, you’re always having fun together & you’re being active. You never take yourself or each other too seriously and that’s the best part. Perfect bonding 

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To find out more about signing up as an individual with Urban Rec, check out the FAQ’s!

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Celebrating Turning 10!

January 18, 2022 - 2 years ago

By Madeleine Wilkie, Managing Director. 

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When Urban Rec turned 10 last year, we decided it was a milestone worth celebrating. Our 10-year anniversary was chosen as our original launch party which happened back in 2012. Embarrassingly, the event was a small group of friends who were promised free drinks… and looking back… it was a cringeworthy few hours.

But persistence pays off!  In the Summer of 2012, not even 1 team had registered to play in the upcoming season. Going into 2022, Urban Rec Australia boasts 4 cities, 265 leagues, 2,303 teams and thousands more individuals. This tiny side hustle has certainly grown some legs.

Throughout our 10th year, business is up 38%, which for a pandemic-prone business – is something we should be pretty proud of!  Over the years our humble team of  just 1 part-time founder is now employing 10 staff across all the cities.  

So during our second lockdown, I made us fix our thinking caps and we curated a collection of way that Urban Rec Australia celebrated turning 10.

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We designed a 10-year logo. Inspired by the 90’s basketball era, the logo had to be fun and nostalgic. If sport is our bread, then beer us our butter, so it made sense to have a can of frothy Aussie inspired beer as the main character. After several iterations and a lot of hilarious feedback “Is it a condom, no, it’s a tennis ball can”. We finally landed on the below. Let’s call him Rick. Watch this space for more Urban Rick appearances.

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We made our own 10-year anniversary beer! In collaboration with the fine folks at Freshie Beer Co, we were able to can and label 60 cases. The limited edition fresh pils were used as prizing for our members as well as a giveaway for our “Mad Monday” promotion. These cans will forever be kept as part of our Urban Rec historic museum.  

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We got some vintage eskies and stubby holders. Merchandise is a fun part of what we offer and we knew we wanted to create some pieces that fit in with our Aussie Summer theme. So, vintage eskies and stubby holders seemed like the right idea. There were only ever 50 eskies made, and the stubby holders were designed in 2 colours and will never be printed again. They were used as prizes throughout our 10-day promotion.

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We hosted a 10-day promotion for our members. Turning 10 was about giving back to our members, some of which have played for the entire 10-year span. Each day we had a special giveaway, discount or event for our members to help us celebrate.

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Our 10-year boat party! – La Nina has really enjoyed ruining our Summer and this day was no exception. With a vision of our closest partners and staff in white linen sipping champagne as we cruise under the harbour bridge, sun beaming down - this was going to be the over-the-top, treat yoself celebration we all deserved. Instead, in true Urban Rec style… it absolutely pissed down. The winds whipped, the lighting cracked, and the drinks flowed steady and strong because we were all trapped inside a catamaran sized lightning rod. Proudly we cracked on with an afternoon of cancellations, interruptions, changes and too many shots of Fireball. The team at Urban Rec are not adverse to making fun out of unexpected and uncontrollable factors, and this event was no exception.  

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So, as we embark on our full 10th year in business, I want to say a huge and special thankyou to all our members, players, staff and employees who have helped grow this brand in Australia to be something I’m very proud of. Here’s to the next 10 years!

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Start 2022 Right With SOCIAL SPORT!

January 10, 2022 - 2 years ago

Summer sports start soon!

It is the 2^nd week of 2022, and it’s time to get back into the groove and capitalize on those goals to get fit. But...why not ditch the “new year, new you...join a gym” chat and instead, play social sport?! → Join us for some active, social, fun. It’ll be the best decision you can make in 2022.

Click through for more info on our upcoming Summer 2022 leagues!

• Basketball @ UOW (Mon)
• Beach Volleyball @ North Gong Beach (Sun)
• Dodgeball @ UOW (Thurs)
• Flag Gridiron @ UOW (Tues)
• Multisport @ Oak Flats (Wed)
• Multisport @ UOW (Mon)
• Netball (Fast-5) @ Berkeley (Mon)
• Netball-7s @ Berkeley (Wed)
• Netball (Fast-5-Street) @ UOW (Tues)
• Soccer @ UOW (Mon)
• Soccer @ UOW (Thurs)
• Touch Football @ UOW (Thurs)

Need more info? → email [email protected] with any questions!

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Can't Play Due to Covid-19 - what's the go?

December 22, 2021 - 2 years ago

Hi all! Lindsay here from UR HQ just giving out a lil’ insight into how things need to roll as we enter into the new year of 2022.

Covid-19...it’s been around for a while now, and it will probably be a thorn in our sides for a little while longer. :-(

In light of this thorn, we have had no choice but to implement some subtle changes to our Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy in hopes of making that thorn a wee bit smaller. We have seen more forfeits and defaults in Nov / Dec 2021 than ever before, and we get it...there’s a global pandemic and sometimes isolation orders are given, and obviously that takes precedent over social sport...but unfortunately, this has left the door wide open for a free pass on default fees being paid with very little we can do about it.

The solution is simple. We must stop the misuse of this genuine forfeit reason. So, from 05 Jan 2022 onwards, all Default & Forfeit Policy rules apply to Covid-19 as they would apply to any other reason for absense. Please see our updated Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy here. 

We simply cannot continue to function with mass defaults, no shows and forfeits with “Covid-19” providing a free pass as it is being deemed too taboo to be questioned on.

We believe giving notice of absense is not a difficult taks, and shows not only respect for our club, but also respect for your fellow members that are ultimately the ones who often suffer the most when their opposition defaults at a late hour.

Please note:

1. There is a difference between a default and a forfeit. Learn the difference here.
2. When issued and paid, default fees are not held by Urban Rec...they are a payment that does directly back to the team who missed out on a game they’d paid for when they were defaulted against.

In summary, we want everyone to be safe, and we ask that everyone has their community responsibility in mind...all we are asking is that respect is shown and as much notice is given if you find yourself in a position where you do not have enough teammates to play.

Thank you! Much love! xx
- Lindsay, UR HQ

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Covid 19 & Community Sport - UR Update

December 15, 2021 - 2 years ago

Updated 15.12.2021

With the newly released NSW Gov Covid-19 Business & Community restriction guidelines, we have updated our policy going forward until such a time as we need to amend again.

Our interpretion on the easing of restrictions is that, sport is now accessible to all, regardless of vaccination status, players and staff are no longer required to check in or show a proof of vaccination.

We believe that there is still a public responsibility to uphold during these times so we will continue to provide the opportunity for players to still use QR codes to check in and out if they wish, we will also continue to sanitize balls and equipment throughout the evening. Hand sanitizer will be available at all leagues and we still resepctfully ask that large crowds do not gather to spectate the games.

*Please note if you do not wish to check in, that is entirely your choice going forward.*

Our staff will continue to sign in as they are present for the entire evening.

The following statement was released in regards to Covid-19 and community sport:

“Sport, exercise and outdoor gatherings

General rules

Anyone can participate in sport, exercise, and outdoor gatherings. 

• Customers are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
• COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at gyms).
• Face masks are not required.

Businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help businesses keep a safe environment for staff and customers. 

Community sport

Community sports, including matches, competitions and training, can take place for all staff, spectators and participants.”

Here is a link to the entire press release – UPDATED C-19 Restrictions NSW“

If you have any questions what so ever please contact [email protected]

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Urban Rec is turning 10!

November 29, 2021 - 2 years ago

So many fun things to celebrate our 10^th birthday in australia! <3

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Lock in your team spot with a DEPOSIT

November 29, 2021 - 2 years ago

Did ya know that you can lock in your team spot by paying a $150 deposit?!

Don’t miss out on playing because your teammates are lollygagging to get you the moola! Lock in your team space while you do the financial logsitcs.

Click through for a deposit to our upcoming Summer 2022 leagues!

• Aussie Rules @ Oak Flats (Mon)
• Beach Volleyball @ North Gong Beach (Sun)
• Basketball @ UOW (Mon)
• Dodgeball @ UOW (Thurs)
• Flag Gridiron @ UOW (Tues)
• Multisport @ Oak Flats (Wed)
• Multisport @ UOW (Mon)
• Netball-7s @ Berkeley (Mon)
• Netball-7s @ Berkeley (Wed)
• Street Netball @ UOW (Tues)
• Soccer @ UOW (Mon)
• Soccer @ UOW (Thurs)
• Touch Football @ UOW (Thurs)
• Ultimate Frisbee @ Oak Flats (Wed)

Need more info? → email [email protected] with any questions!

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Holiday Events @ our clubhouse - North Gong Hotel!

November 29, 2021 - 2 years ago

If you didn’t know already, North Gong Hotel is our Clubhouse!

That means that YOU – as Urban Rec members – get sweet perks and prizes from them, as awell as a place to call your post-game spot to socialize. How good!

With the holiday silly season approaching, we wanna fill you in on some upcoming Events @ North Gong Hotel!

• SUNDAY SESSIONS → These epic AF Sundays are full of dope tunes, lovely humans and endless fun. Check it out.
• SANTA CLAUS PUB DAY → Join the Urban Rec fam for a day full of festivities at our clubhouse.
• XMAS EVE @North Gong → Get ready to party til Santa comes with a stocking full of slappers from epic artists.
• NEW YEAR’S EVE @North Gong → Finish 2021 with Yours & Owls who have curated the NYE party you’ve been dreaming of!

Be sure to tag @urbanrecwollongong when you join any (or all) of these epic holiday events so we can share the love! <3 xx

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Sport's Back!

October 17, 2021 - 2 years ago

YAHOO! NSW has hit 80%

As I am sure you have already heard, from Monday, 18 October, there will be easing of additional restrictions due to NSW hitting the 80% double dose mark, including the return to community sports. Fantastic!

Our venues are not permitting us to return until the week of 25 October, so you’ve got 1 more week to get stoked about returning to social sport!
 

Here’s what you need to know:

ARE YOU PART OF AN ‘AUTUMN’ LEAGUE THAT WAS PAUSED DUE TO THE COVID LOCKDOWN 2.0?

• You will play out your remaining game(s) of the season.
• All leagues (with the exception of Netball-7s Wednesday and Soccer Thursday) will have the option to extend the season until the end of 2021, meaning your ‘next seasons’ are shortened seasons of 6 or 8 games, depending on the league. For Netball-7s Wednesday & Soccer Thursday, ‘next season’ = ‘Breakout Season’ and is a full 10-game season.
• All players and team captains received an email on Friday, 15 October outlining options.
• You will receive a schedule notification on Tuesday, 19 October with your updated schedule.

ARE YOU A NEW PLAYER OR TEAM WANTING TO JOIN?

• All ‘Breakout Season’ leagues are online and open for individual and team registration.
• A full list of ‘Breakout Season’ leagues is below.
• Once you register, you’ll receive an email from Urban Rec HQ with next steps. :-)
• PS – Joining will be the best post-lockdown situation you could make...

BREAKOUT SEASONS:
NOTE – All team registrations are $100 off until 11:59pm Monday, 18 October. The price below reflects the normal price, not incluside of the $100 off. The discount is applied automatically on the website at the time of registration.

• Basketball (Streetball) UOW [Mon] – starts 01 Nov
• Beach Volleyball North Gong Beach [Sun] – starts 31 Oct
• Dodgeball UOW [Thurs] – starts 28 Oct
• Flag Gridiron UOW [Tues] – starts 26 Oct
• Multisport UOW [Mon] – starts 25 Oct
• Multisport Shellharbour [Wed] – starts 10 Nov
• Netball-7s Berkeley [Wed] – starts 10 Nov
• Netball (Fast-5 Street Netball) UOW [Tues] – starts 02 Nov
• Soccer UOW [Mon] – starts 25 Oct
• Soccer UOW [Thurs] – starts 04 Nov
• Touch Football UOW [Thurs] – starts 11 Nov

covid policy & faqs

Click through to learn everything you need to know about ‘Vaccinate to Participate,’ QR Codes and ongoing COVID-Safe Compliance so that you can have a smooth start back to playing social sport.

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October - Mental Health Month

October 4, 2021 - 2 years ago

October is finally here my friends! That means more daylight, warmer weather, return to sport and mental health month! If lockdown has showed us anything, it’s highlighted (1) the importance of good mental health; (2) how much we crave connection; and (3) we have an innate desire to move around → in short, there’s a connection between the mind and body.

You’ve probably heard sports are great for physical health, but did you know that there are so many other psychological benefits to playing sport too? Here are just a few:

• Helps reduce stress = Exercise causes the body to release endorphins (chemicals that relieve pain and stress) and also reduces the levels of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline.
• Improve mood = Playing sport forces you to concentrate in the moment, which can help clear your mind and promote calmness.
• Boost mental health = Some studies have shown team sports can have a greater impact on mental health then individual sports, which is likely due to the feelings of belonging, support and teamwork found in team sports.

We want to celebrate Mental Health Month this October by challenging you to tick off as many of our ideas as possible. See if you feel a difference in your body and mind, and lettuce know! :-)

We also want to celebrate by inviting you to break outta lockdown and jump back onto the field, court or pitch with us this October! Urban Rec is all about connecting people through sport with active, social, fun. With the return to sport just a few weeks away, we can’t wait to improve our mental health and physical well-being with you! There are 2 ways you can play:

1. Register as an individual → If you wanna play but don’t have a team, no worries! Our individual teams are the BEST way to make new mates in this city. All our sports have individual teams open for players.
2. Register as a team → If you already have a group of active mates, round them up and join as a team!

If you have any questions about playing with us, please reach out to us → [email protected]

Elbow taps. High fives. Smiles. See you soon!

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