Urban Rec Wedding: Nick & Sophie

February 17, 2022 - 2 years ago

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

We met in 2018 in the UrbanRec flag gridiron season in an individual team (our team is still playing today with a few new faces). Although the team were all strangers when we started playing we would usually go to the bar after each game to relive the highlights of the game and get to know each other. After a few weeks of this, Soph and I started messaging privately and not in the team's whatsapp and before I knew it we were on our first date. It was funny watching the rest of the team slowly catch on, the major give away was me no longer asking for lifts from everyone and consistently arriving with Soph.

One eerie detail we discovered later was how we both got into UrbanRec. I already knew of UrbanRec, previously playing in the indoor soccer league on the North Sydney Tennis courts. Soph however was new to it and discovered UrbanRec when her usual tennis partner was injured and couldn't play with her anymore. Looking for a new way to play sport she recalled seeing UrbanRec flags on the courts next to her when she would play at North Sydney. That's right, for about six months each Tuesday night, I would play soccer and Soph tennis on the courts next to each other. On top of that we independently moved to join the same team in the gridiron league. Small world.

How long have you been together and when did you get married? Tell us about your wedding?

We will be celebrating our 4 yr anniversary this year as well as our first year of being married. Our wedding was in June 2021, one week before the Sydney lockdown. We were extremely lucky because we were not only able to have our 80pax wedding with no restrictions, but also squeezed in a honeymoon to QLD before being locked down

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

Neither of us have much experience with online dating so can't compare too well

Tell me why you think Urban Rec was the inevitable way for you to meet your hubby or wife?

I think the great thing about individual teams in UrbanRec is that it gets you out of your comfort zone and usual routine. It's a great way to meet new circles of people, friends and partners alike. In the same team I met Soph, we both became great friends with another couple and regularly catch up. They were even part of my groom's party.

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

won't fall for this trap

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

For us, we are both spontaneous and enjoy joking around. So trying new things and not taking things too seriously is a winning recipe for us.

Describe your partner in 3 words!

Spontaneous, empathetic and funny

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

Squash, we got into it recently and it has bought out the competitiveness in both of us. We are both pretty clumsy on the court but the games are very close

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

UrbanRec makes it easy to try new sports with no pressure to be good at them. Every individual team I've joined has had great people to become friends with that I would otherwise have never met.

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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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Urban Rec Australia Turns 10

November 29, 2021 - 2 years ago

Happy Birthday to us! 

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Returning to sport with us

September 20, 2021 - 2 years ago

Return to sport, what does it look like!!?

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Covid Response - August 2021 Update

August 26, 2021 - 2 years ago

UPDATED August 26

The NSW Government announced this morning that Regional NSW will be in further lockdown until September 10. This unfortunately means that we are unable to play sport until this date. Leagues have been put on hold until September 10 and schedules have been updated to show this.

We will be recommencing our Winter leagues to start September 13 and our Spring leagues are scheduled to start in later October.

Once the Government end the lockdown in Regional NSW, we will get in contact with all our Winter league participants.

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UPDATED August 19

As you would have heard, Newcastle and all of Regional NSW is in lockdown until at least August 28.

Leagues have been put on hold until then and we are planning to play all games that have been scheduled for the winter season as soon as we are out of lockdown.

Once the Government clarify the end of lockdown for the Newcastle Region, we will then get in contact with you about when our winter leagues will be re-starting.

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June 2021

While we are in Newcastle, we recognize there are a lot of people commute to Sydney for work or leisure, and due to the spike in COVID cases seen in the recent days in the Greater Sydney Region, we wanted to take a moment to explain our stance and response.

First off, please recognize that we are constantly monitoring the situation, and we are taking all of our directives from the State and Federal Governments and health agencies. This is a fluid issue that we are reacting and responding to with the best of our ability based on available information.

WHAT WE WILL DO:

• We will continue to be diligent with our COVID Clean Policy at all of our leagues.
• During this period of uncertainty, we will not be issuing any Default Fees, as we respect each member’s choice as to whether or not they choose to take part in their game(s). That said, we do kindly ask that if you or your team are not planning to play in your game, you give us as much notice as possible to we can try to coordinate a friendly game for your opposition.
• If the situation changes, we will react accordingly and will inform you ASAP.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

• Be diligent with your personal hygiene.
• If you are feeling unwell, do not show up.
• Do not attend our games if you have been in the Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains or Woollongong areas in the last 14 days.
• If you have been to any of the locations listed by NSW Health, act accordingly.
• Notify us ASAP if you are not coming to your game.

Thank you for your understanding!
 

Urban Rec

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4 PINES Charlestown

July 27, 2021 - 2 years ago

Clubhouse/Sponsor Insight – 4 PINES

This year we started a new clubhouse partnership with 4 Pines Bar in Charlestown. The guys there are super keen to support community sport and totally vibe our ethos of playing sport, socialising and having fun.

The bar at Charlestown is wicked! It’s an awesome beer garden situated in The Corner at Charlestown Square surrounded by food vendors. You can order your food from any of the vendors in The Corner and then bring it back to enjoy in the beer garden. From Spring to Summer they also have live musicans playing every Friday or Saturday night.

As well as providing us with awesome giveaways at our events, they also offer all Urban Rec members 20% off at the bar. Next time your at Charlestown Square, grab a beverage and mention your an UR member to get your discount.

Their current promo is Free Delivery to surrounding suburbs. Sneak a peak at the promo they are running and enter 4 Pines family at the check out to get it delivered for FREE. HOW GOOD!?

4pinesbeer.com.au/delivery

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6 Week Leagues

July 21, 2021 - 2 years ago

If you missed out on the start of the Winter season, you couldn’t get your teams act together and get around to registering before many of the leagues sold out well don’t worry you’re in luck! We are offering a 6 Week league for some of our competitions. 

The 6 week competitions are a great way to start your sport journey as you only have to commit to 6 weeks, the weather will start to warm up by the time the competitions start and you’ll be getting that summer body ready in Spring. Perfect!

Below is a list of 6 week leagues we are running at the end of winter.

• Multisport Thursday @ Maryville (1 x team spot, limited individual spots)
• Basketball Tuesday @ Cooks Hill (2 x team spots, individual spots available)
• Touch Football Thursday @ Waratah (3 x team spots, individual spots available)
• Indoor Soccer Wednesday @ Maryville (2 x team spots, individual spots available)
• Netball Monday @ Cooks Hill (1 x team spot, limited individual spots)
• Multisport Monday @ Maryville (individual spots only)

Alot of these competitions only have 1 – 2 team spots in them and a handful of individual places available. If you’re keen, then either put down a deposit for your team ASAP or sign up as an individual below all the places go.

Click the link and register!

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Winter Blues

June 24, 2021 - 2 years ago

The Winter Blues are here and many people might be experienceing them already. Some people may be feeling a little down, lacking energy, changed sleeping patterns, struggling to get out of bed. The cooler months make us want to hibenate and wish the 3 months will fly by. 

It’s important to keep a routine through winter and make sure your body is active or you will undo all the hard work you put in to your health and fitness in Summer and Autumn this year.

Playing sport

• Allows the brain to release hormones like adrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which can help make you feel happy.
• Continues to tone and develop muscle strength through sport. If going to the gym is a drag, playing in a team sport does heaps for your cardio and muscle strength.
• Connect with friends in your team on a weekly basis. 
• Commit and make yourself accountable. When you sign up to a team you will make sure that you are there everyweek for your team.

Tip for teams: If your team is currently playing an outdoor sport and are really not feeling like playing outside again in Winter, then join one of the many indoor sports we have running. You’ll be able to see your mates once a week and keep up your fitness. It’s a win win.

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What is Multisport?

June 17, 2021 - 2 years ago

The most common question we get asked is.. What is Multisport!?

It’s pretty simple really, you play multiple sports across the 10 week competition! There are two types of Multisport competitions that we run. Field Multisport which is played outdoors at Waratah Park and then we have Indoor Multisport which is played Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at Revolution Sports Park in Maryville.

The Multisport competition is for the individual or team that can’t commit or decide on just one sport. You play in the same team each week but your team wil rotate through the changing sports together. 

Indoor Multisport can include the following sports

• Dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee, Indoor Soccer, Olympic Handball, Backyard Cricket, Benchball, Street Netball, Kickball, Street Basketball, Trampoline Dodgeball, Floor Hockey and Volleyball

Field Multisport can include the following sports

• Touch Football, Soccer, Aussie Rules, Flag Gridiron, Ultimate Frisbee, Kickball

If you haven’t played sport in a while or are trying to work out which sport you like, then Multisport is your best option. The competition is full of very social people who are all there to have a good time, meet new people and get active doing it.

Have a look at all the multisport competitions we are running this season by clicking this link.

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