Urban Rec Lovers: Leish & Darcy

February 10, 2022 - 3 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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Making Sport Accessible to LGBTQI+ Community

February 1, 2022 - 3 years ago

The LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex) community has long faced discrimination and exclusion in various aspects of life, including sports. At Urban Rec, we believe making sports accessible to this community is not only a matter of equality and human rights, but also brings a range of benefits.

1. Improved Physical and Mental Health: Sports and physical activity have been shown to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. For members of the LGBTQI community, who face high levels of stress and trauma due to discrimination and stigma, sports can provide an outlet for relieving stress, improving mood, and reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.

2. Increased Sense of Belonging: Sports provide a space for people to come together and form a community based on shared interests and goals. For members of the LGBTQI community, this sense of belonging can be especially important as it can help to counter feelings of isolation and loneliness.

3. Opportunity for Leadership and Empowerment: Sports can provide individuals with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and take on leadership roles, such as team captain or coach. For members of the LGBTQI community, this can be a powerful tool for empowering individuals and promoting positive self-image.

4. Increased Visibility and Representation: When sports are made accessible to the LGBTQI community, it helps to increase visibility and representation. This can be especially important for younger members of the community who may be struggling with their identity and looking for role models.

5. Breaking Down Stereotypes: By making sports accessible to the LGBTQI community, we can help to break down stereotypes and challenge preconceived notions about what it means to be LGBTQI. This can be particularly important in the world of sports, where traditionally rigid gender roles and expectations have often been used to exclude members of the LGBTQI community.

Urban Rec is passionate about making sports accessible to the LGBTQI community as it’s not only a matter of equality and human rights, but also brings a range of benefits that can help to improve physical and mental health, increase a sense of belonging, provide opportunities for leadership and empowerment, increase visibility and representation, and break down stereotypes. By promoting sports for all, we can help to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

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Celebrating Turning 10!

January 17, 2022 - 3 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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Covid 19 & Community Sport - UR

December 15, 2021 - 3 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 C-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 Turns 10

November 11, 2021 - 3 years ago

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US. 

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Summer Party Cart

October 31, 2021 - 3 years ago

Theres plenty of reasons to celebrate at the moment, and being back at sport is just one of the things that makes this Summer good. We wanna gift one lucky team this epic Beach Cart and it is FULL of goodies. It’s a lot. 

All you need to do is register in the 7 day period of Mon 1 Nov till Sun 7  Nov and this huge bopper, could be yours. 

• 1 x 200kg Steel Mesh Beach Cart.
• 1 x 25L Esky
• 4 x 3ft Fireball Floaties
• 1 x Instant Pop-up Beach Tent
• 6 in 1 Beach Sports kit
• 6 x Ur Bucket Hats
• 6 x UR Stubbie Holders
• 1 x Sand Castle Building Kit
• 1 x Picnic Mat
• 1 x Large Round Beach Towle
• 1 x Monster Water Cannon
• 3 x Batch Brewing Frisbee
• 2 x Beach Balls
• 2 x Gladiator Battle Sticks
• 6 x 750ml Sparkling Cuvee
• 12 x 200ml Fireball Whiskey Bottles
• 16 x 330ml Wayward Hard Seltzers
• 20 x 375ml Moondog "Beer Cans"
• 24 x 375ml Grifter Pink Galah Sours
• 6 x 375ml Fizzer Tropical Seltzers
• 6 x 375ml Moondog Lager
• 6 x 375ml Hawkes Patio Ale
• 6 x 375ml Young Henrys Cloudy Cider
• 6 x 375ml Young Henrys Newtowner
• 6x 375ml Young Henrys Natural Lager

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Urban Rec Return to Sport!

September 20, 2021 - 3 years ago

Urban Rec – Return to sport, what does it look like?

Do we need to be vaccinated to play? –  The state government are imposing mandatory double vaccination for participation, making it illegal for unvaccinated members to participate in sports & recreation.We are working to ensure we have QR codes at every venue/field/oval etc to enable our members to check in for all games, this ensures we are meeting the government guidelines, and keeping you safe. Just as Pubs, cafes, restaurant etc have been doing for a while now.

When are we coming back? – After analysing the most recent information provided by The NSW government, it is our aim to resume/launch leagues as soon as 70% statewide vaccination rate has been achieved. Our current programming has estimated this to happen around October 18. Key thing to note is the classification of “Adult Recreational Sport” vs “Community Club Sport”. Urban Rec is classified as an Adult Recreational Sports Provider, not a community sport club. The reason it is vital to differentiate between the two is the participation demographic. Urban Rec does not provide sport to Juniors/Children.State & Federal government health officials have deemed the return of community sport as higher risk due to the perceived dangers of high volumes of unvaccinated minors/juniors gathering to play sport. Hence the delayed return for schools and community sport.Urban Rec does not have the same perceived risk as community sport as all members are adults (18+) and each member will have to check in via QR code, which we expect will also include verified vaccination proof.

How will leagues be different? - In addition to this, all gatherings (both indoor and out) will be kept to group size of maximum 20 members with the 4sqm rule never to be exceeded. (our sports field/courts provide much more than 4sqm per member, as we have to allow for player movement, for example using a netball courts dimensions and the 4sqm rule would allow 112 players, we allow 14.) Urban Rec will maintain all other previous measures including cleanliness of kits. 

I was playing with Urban Rec when we went into lockdown, what is happening to my games? If you were a current and participating member, your games will be scheduled to go ahead in line with Public Health Orders, and new personal Covid restrictions. There is a chance due to venue and facility availability, we will need to change locations for some of our leagues. Your schedule may be subject to change in the future as we welcome some new teams to join into your league if capacity allows. 

What if some of my teammates are not vaccinated? Can they still play when leagues recommence? This decision is going to be taken out of our hands and will be part of NSW Public Health Orders. The short answer is, no. You should look to replace these team members, and contact your League Manager if you have any issues. 

What if some of my teammates are not double vaccinated, can they still play when leagues recommence? This is something we are waiting on NSW Health to confirm and provide clarity on. 

I was not playing previously, but I would like to start - Great! We have new leagues starting in October, November and December, and there will be opportunities to join existing leagues where capacity allows us to get as many eligible members playing sport in a safe and social environment. 

Any questions please contact [email protected]

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New Leagues

September 16, 2021 - 3 years ago

Coming out of lockdown, we are going to be BIGGER and BETTER!!! How? You may ask?! Let me introduce you to our NEW LEAGUES - New Locations, New People, New equipment, all with the exact same Fun as any other Urban Rec League.

Have you been living in the East travelling far and wide to Urban Rec Leagues? Have you been waiting ever so patiently for Urban Rec to come to you? Well guess what? YOU ARE IN LUCK!!!

FIVE (Yes, that’s right five) New Leagues across differing days, sports, and locations for anyone in the East to enjoy.

Breakout Touch Football North Bondi Monday 

Touch Footy and the east go hand in hand, and we have the perfect location for you to enjoy. Cue Hugh Bamford reserve: would there be anything better on a Monday Summer evening playing touch footy with your mates with an ocean view? I think not.

Breakout Outdoor Soccer North Bondi Tuesday 

Soccer Players, no need to get jealous, we have the exact same experience for you just one day closer to the weekend LOL. Please implement all your tricks, skills and laughs with the ocean breeze of Hugh Bamford Reserve.

Breakout Outdoor soccer Mascot Tuesday 

Boralee Park is the new fortress for outdoor soccer leagues. Experience all the trickery, laughs with mates and all the goals at our new stomping ground for soccer lovers.

Breakout Touch Footy Mascot Wednesday 

Boralee Park doesn’t stop there, it will provide Touch Footy as well. Being one of our biggest sports here at Urban Rec, there is no reason why this touch footy league won’t launch through the roof. 

Breakout Multisport Bondi Wednesday 

Are you into touch footy, soccer and MORE! Don’t worry we have you covered. Experience a list of differing sports per week at our New Multisport League in Bondi. Waverly Council Courts is the perfect place to learn something new and have a laugh while doing so.

We are hella excited to launch these new leagues and cannot wait to see what the East of Sydney brings to the partay! Super pumped for you guys to join our biggest breakout season yet.

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The BreakOut Season! What is it?

August 31, 2021 - 3 years ago

Breakout Season, what is it? … Well, let me tell ya!

Our old mate Covid-19 has put waste to the seasonal structure we used to hold so dear, a structure you could literally set your watch to!

With some Autumn seasons paused, some Winter seasons postponed and our mission to honour all memberships, we have decided that whatever the weather, the first season will be called THE BREAKOUT SEASON.

We’ve been locked up, now we are gonna Break Out!

Once we are out, we are going to aim to deliver our biggest and best season yet.

• More member perks.
• Extra clubhouses & deals.
• More venues.
• More leagues.
• Better smelling hosts.
• Fun social events.
• Hilarious and engaging social media content.

We will be having a Sydney-wide promotion to replace the second phase of winter priority registration. There will be a week where all Breakout leagues will be open for everyone and anyone that registers in that week will be in the hat with a chance to win $1000 Sponsor Clubhouse Pub Crawl for you team!

T&C’s

During the promotion any TEAM that enters will be entered into the draw to win the prize. To be eligible a registration must be completed in full by the closing date of the promotional week. Deposit will be eligible as long as the deposit and balance are paid within the 7 day period. All full Individual team squads will also be entered.

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On-Going Covid Response.

June 21, 2021 - 4 years ago

REviewed 01/09

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Updated 26/08

Hey everyone,

Danny here checking in again… What a very long 7 days its been! FML – Although the 7 day lock down has turn into 3 months, our mission is still the same. We still intend to provide sport to each and every one of you and honour all registrations by resuming play as soon as we are cleared by State and Federal government.

All of our leagues have been paused not cancelled. As soon as we get the green light from the guys and gals in power we will deliver our leagues safely and promtply.

You can find the state and federal gov public order guidlines here.

All seasons that were paused will resume once safe to do so. Any registrations made for a season yet to start will simply be delayed until safe to launch. Bottom line all leagues will be back up and running as soon as safe to do so.

In the mean time… do ya like trivia?… We have a engineered a great evening of fun and facts with our main man BananaRaja at the helm. LOCKED UP TRIVIA **sang in the voice of Akon** You can play in teams or individually, there are spot prizes delivered to you door, theres beers, wines, singing, dancing and heaps more! Sounds good? Register / More Info HERE

As soon as the the situation changes, so will this blog. Any significant updates will be taken into consideration and the blog will be amended.

Stay cool

Danny

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UPDATED 14/07

Wow, two updates in 24 hours – With Lockdown extended until 30th July, not ideal for us but we are staying positive and planning for an amazing comeback season!

Everything from yesterday’s update still applies and that is why I have copy and pasted it today lol...EVEN THE FIREBALL FIFA!

We are keeping our ears to the ground in the hope that we may pick up any new info in regards to any further restrictions to community rec sport once the lockdown is lifted.

As soon as we know, and have an action plan, you will all be informed. – All games will be honored/rescheduled for every team.

BORED? Wanna play a game?...without leaving the house?…

fireball fifa – register here.

Our famous E-leagues are back – Fifa, Play station, Xbox. 

Play online against other UR members, League structure, Fun Points, Prizing. The full league experience.

Gaming Vouchers, Fireball and UR merch to be won… and it’s free to join!

Enjoy

Take care

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UPDATED 13/07

I’m still here, thinking of you all.

Stay at home order has continued until Friday 16th July, at the earliest . Figners crossed for a down turn in new cases and a release from lockdown.

We are keeping our ears to the ground in the hope that we may pick up any new info in regards to any further restrictions to community rec sport once the lockdown is lifted.

As soon as we know, and have an action plan, you will all be informed. – All games will be honored/rescheduled for every team.

BORED? Wanna play a game?...without leaving the house?…

Our famous E-leagues are back – Fifa, Play station, Xbox. 

Play online against other UR members, League structure, Fun Points, Prizing. The full league experience.

Gaming Vouchers, Fireball and UR merch to be won… and it’s free to join!

Enjoy

Take care

Danny

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UPDATED 28/06

Residential lockdown pertaining to the entire Greater Sydney area has meant we have had no choice but to postpone leagues for the duration of the lock down period.

We expect and hope that we will be returning to play on Sunday 11th July onwards. All games during this period will be rescheduled.

This blog will be updated with and restrictions or added proctection we put in place to keeo everyone safe as the situation develops. 

Thank you for your ongoing support, lets hope this 2 weeks is a enough of a circuit breaker and we can get back out there.

Thanks

Danny

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UPDATED 25/06

Hey Guys, Me again.

As you will all undoubtedly be aware a large group of Sydney Suburbs and Municipalities have been placed into lockdown as of 12am, Midnight tonight 25/06/21. 

We understand that those suburbs make up a huge number of our member base and see it as only fair we suspend all leagues not just the leagues in affected areas. 

This current lockdown is set for 7 days, so in accordance with this we will be suspending all leagues during this period.

At the end of this period we will review the situation.

Please note that this is a postponment not a cancellation. All games will be rescheduled.

Fingers crossed we speed through this week and get back to breathing fresh air and havung fun.

Have the best week you can,

Til next time

Danny

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Updated 23/06

As in stands in light of the latest government restrictions, all leagues are still safe to go ahead.

We are deemed a “controlled outdoor gathering” – This means we must comply with our original covidsafe plan and the 2sqm rule, to put into persepcting the 2sqm rule 130 people would be allowed on a tennis court.

As always we continue to monitor the situation closely and will always keep you all updated if anything changes.

You DO NOT have to wear a mask if you do not want to. It is completely your choice, NSW Community sport has not been restricted any further than the previous update.

We comply with the current covid safe government plan, and therefore constitute a "controlled outdoor gathering" which is restricted to 1 person per 2 square meter rule, or a maximum of 5000 people. (a tennis court is 260 square meters).

We will continue to defer default fees if any member/team does not wish to play. Please just let us know with as much notice as possible.

You can find NSW Gathering Restrictions HERE.

Thanks

Danny

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Hey Everyone,

Due to the small spike in covid cases seen in the recent days/week we just wanted to take a quick moment to explain our stance and response to the situation.

Firstly we would like it to be noted that we are constantly monitoring the situation and take all of our directive from the state & federal government and health agencies. This is a fluid issue that we are being reactive with.

We will endeavor to diligently adhere to our Covid Clean Policy at all of our leagues – you can view the Covid Policy Here.

In addition to the above please know that we respect each members choice as to whether or not to take part in their game, during this period of uncertainty we will not be issuing any default fees but we do ask that if you or your team are not planning on playing that you give us as much notice as possible so we can facilitate another game for your opposition.

If the situation changes, so will our response. 

Take care

Danny

General Manager Sydney

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