Play It Forward: Every Game You Play Makes a Difference

June 2, 2026 - 10 days ago

Proud moment for Access Social Sport Inc. ❤️

As part of our Play It Forward initiative powered by Urban Rec, we recently donated $1,947 to Orange Sky Australia

For those who haven’t heard about Play It Forward, here’s how it works:

Every season, a portion of every Urban Rec Australia registration goes into a community fund. At the end of the season, our League Champions and our Fun Points Champions get to decide where that money goes by voting for a charity partner.

This season, the community chose Orange Sky Australia, an incredible organisation creating genuine connection and support for people doing it tough through free laundry, shower services, and conversations that matter.

Even better, we made the donation during Orange Sky’s Double the Difference Day, where donations were matched dollar for dollar. That turned our $1,947 donation into a total impact of $3,894.

The campaign itself raised over $1.2 million nationally. Absolutely massive effort from everyone involved.

One of the best parts of social sport is that it can be about far more than just what happens on the field. Community matters. Inclusion matters. Looking after each other matters.

Huge thanks to every Urban Rec member who unknowingly contributes to initiatives like this just by showing up each week for a hit around with their mates.

Turns out social sport can do some pretty cool stuff too….

#PlayItForward #UrbanRec #AccessSocialSport #OrangeSky #CommunitySport #MoreThanSport

Play It Forward

January 20, 2026 - 4 months ago

Play It Forward: Every Game You Play Makes a Difference

At Urban Rec, we love a good game. But we love making an impact even more. That’s why we created Play It Forward, our epic Australia-wide charity initiative that turns every single registration into a chance to do some good in the world.

Every season, we pick four incredible charities to feature. These aren’t just any charities, they’re causes that our members care about, from grassroots community support to big-picture health and environmental programs.

And here’s the kicker: it’s the members who decide who gets the donation. That’s right. At the end of the season, the winning Captains (both league and fun point champs) get to choose which of the four charities receives the funds. So every game you play is actually helping make a difference!!

How It Works

1. 💳 Register a Team | Every registration contributes a portion of the fee to the Play It Forward campaign. It’s automatic, you don’t need to do a thing.
    
2. 🤸 Play Your Season | Keep the fun points rolling! Win games, have a laugh, and lead your team with style. All those efforts count toward who will pick the charity at the end of the season.
    
3. 🏅 Winning Captains Choose the Charity | When the season wraps up, the league champs and top fun points Captains get the ultimate power move: picking which of the four charities receives the donation. It’s fun, competitive, and meaningful because it’s your team, your season, and your choice.
    
4. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Impact Made | The chosen charity receives a donation from your season’s registrations, helping them do what they do best. And just like that, your games don’t just build skills, friendships, and banter, they build real-world impact.

Play It Forward isn’t just a campaign. It’s proof that sport can be more than fun and friendly competition, it can be a force for good. By empowering our members to choose where the donations go, we’re making the impact personal. And let’s be honest, it makes winning even sweeter when you know it’s for a great cause.

We can’t wait to see what we can all achieve together, season after season ❤💛

#morethansport

2025 T-Shirt Design Competition

November 4, 2024 - one year ago

In 2024 we are inviting budding creatives from our club to submit their t-shirt designs for our 2025 exclusive merchandise! In previous years we have had everything from GOAT designs, a Can Man Series, and custom championship designs. 

If you would love to see your designs printed on thousands of shirts across the country, please submit your designs to [email protected]

Design Brief. 

• Maximum 5 colours

• Embodies our brand and fun first culture

• Could include messaging about winning (wither fun points or league champions)

• Will look good printed on varying shirt colours

• Opportunity to expand design into a 4 season series

• Something our members will be excited to receive and wear

• Includes the Urban Rec logo and name. 

• Can be double sided printing

If selected, you will need to be able to make edits at management's discretion and direction. 

Entries close on November 30th, winners will receive a $500 Urban Rec Voucher!

Here are some submissions from our head office, think you can do better?

Win A Capital Brewing BBQ At Your League

February 20, 2024 - 2 years ago

Capital are hosting a BBQ for the league with the most passionate capital crew. All you need to do is tag Urban Rec Canberra and Capital Brewing co in a post or story on instagram with you or your team enjoying a brew at a league or at the Taproom to go in the draw.

How You Can Be In Involved

January 24, 2024 - 2 years ago

Access to mental health resources remains a significant hurdle for many young Australians. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can deter people from seeking help, perpetuating a cycle of suffering in silence. This year, we’re ‘changing the game’.

Urban Rec is calling our community to come together in 2024 to support our cause. Here are some ways to help us, “Change The Game”. 

ATTEND ONE OF OUR FREE MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION SESSIONS

Each session covers the signs and symptoms of mental ill health, how to start the conversation and how to support an individual going through a mental health challenge. The next session has free tickets available now. 

Donate $50 to get a kid or an adult into ORGANISED sport

Sport is a recreational privilege, we know that. You can donate $50 which will go directly to kids or adults that do not have the money to pay for the access. Urban Rec have started the year by adding 20 vouchers for anyone who needs them. 

Attend one of our charity Tournaments

The next one is happening in Wollongong on Feb 11, The Superbowl Flag Gridiron Tournament. All the proceeds from these Charity Events are donated to OTLR. Plus, you get an amazing day out, in the sun, playing sport!

Get Involved in Mates In March (9k’s in 9 days)

This March we are partnering with OTLR for their initiative, Mates In March. We lose 9 people to suicide each month, this March, walk or run 9 kms for any 9 days during the month. Then, spread the word on social media. 

BUY MERCH FROM OUR ASSOCIATION

All the merch available within our shop goes directly to our Association, raising funds for partner charities or making sport accessible to other minorities. 

How You Can Be Involved

January 15, 2024 - 2 years ago

Access to mental health resources remains a significant hurdle for many young Australians. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can deter people from seeking help, perpetuating a cycle of suffering in silence. This year, we’re ‘changing the game’.

Urban Rec is calling our community to come together in 2024 to support our cause. Here are some ways to help us, “Change The Game”. 

ATTEND ONE OF OUR FREE MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION SESSIONS

Each session covers the signs and symptoms of mental ill health, how to start the conversation and how to support an individual going through a mental health challenge. The next session has free tickets available now. 

Donate $50 to get a kid or an adult into ORGANISED sport

Sport is a recreational privilege, we know that. You can donate $50 which will go directly to kids or adults that do not have the money to pay for the access. Urban Rec have started the year by adding 20 vouchers for anyone who needs them. 

Attend one of our charity Tournaments

The next one is happening in Wollongong on Feb 11, The Superbowl Flag Gridiron Tournament. All the proceeds from these Charity Events are donated to OTLR. Plus, you get an amazing day out, in the sun, playing sport!

Get Involved in Mates In March (9k’s in 9 days)

This March we are partnering with OTLR for their initiative, Mates In March. We lose 9 people to suicide each month, this March, walk or run 9 kms for any 9 days during the month. Then, spread the word on social media. 

BUY MERCH FROM OUR ASSOCIATION

All the merch available within our shop goes directly to our Association, raising funds for partner charities or making sport accessible to other minorities. 

Registration fees are going up in Jan 2024 here's why.

December 13, 2023 - 2 years ago

The last time Urban Rec Canberra increased registration fees was December 2021. Since then, well, we don't really need to tell you that prices have gone up. In 2023 our venue costs have increased 9%, host pay 7%, Insurance, prizes, staffing, equipment have all gone up. In 2022 they had already gone up and we didn’t move our prices. 

Last year the government changed the classification so casual workers get paid Super. We value our staff and think they deserve to be paid accordingly, we didn’t want to decrease our hosts' take home pay so we covered the extra 11% super. That one cost alone, employing over 40 people casually, has added tens of thousands extra per year. 

To remain sustainable, on January 22, 2024 we will be increasing our team and individual registration fees. Our registration fees will increase between 3%-10% depending on the league. Inflation since we last increased our prices in December 2021 is around 12%. 

From January we will be pricing leagues according to our costs, for example because indoor venues hire fees are up to double that of outdoor venues, indoor venues will now be priced accordingly. Because we hadn't been doing that accurately in the past, Indoor leagues will have a higher price increase. You can see the price a league will be changing to by viewing the leagues information on our website. 

Urban Rec's aim is to make sport accessible to all, and pricing is one way we do that. We never want to be involved in a race to the bottom, and believe we deliver a very high level of value for registration fees you pay. As we looked into this increase we found that we are still highly competitive on price with others providing social sport in Canberra. 

In most cases this increase will come out at between $50-$100 per team over a 10 week season, teams with a roster of 8 this will be an increase of $6-$11 per player per season, or $0.60-$1.10 per game. For us it means we can be a sustainable business for now and into the future so we can continue to deliver the high level of service off the ground, and the fun on it.  

If you want to lock in the current prices for the summer season, make sure you register before January 22, 2024. If you've paid a deposit, if the balance is paid before January 22 the price remains the same. 

If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us. We value each and every one of our members and always strive to provide the best experiences on and off the court. Long may this continue. 

The team at Urban Rec Canberra

The Women's World Cup Effect: Boosting Interest in Soccer and Netball at Urban Rec Social Sports Club

September 4, 2023 - 2 years ago

In recent weeks, Urban Rec Social Sports Club has witnessed a remarkable surge in enthusiasm for both soccer and netball. A significant part of this upswing in interest can be attributed to the captivating events that are the Women's FIFA World Cup and the Netball World Cup. We'll delve into how these global tournaments have played a pivotal role in increasing participation and passion for soccer and netball at Urban Rec.

1. Inspiring Female Athletes

The Women's FIFA World Cup and the Netball World Cup have spotlighted outstanding female athletes who excel in their respective sports. The talent and dedication displayed by these athletes on the world stage have captivated audiences, inspiring many more women to take up soccer and netball, socially. 

Urban Rec has seen a surge in female participants who, inspired by the performances of athletes like Mackenzie Arnold and Caitlin Bassett, want to explore their own potential in these sports. The tournaments have acted as powerful catalysts, showcasing that women can thrive in soccer and netball, instilling confidence and motivation in the female players at Urban Rec.

2. Increased Media Coverage

Both tournaments have experienced unprecedented media coverage, making them accessible to a global audience. Television broadcasts, online streaming platforms, and social media channels have brought the games closer to fans than ever before. This surge in visibility has not only increased the viewership but also ignited a passion for playing soccer and netball.

Urban Rec participants, like sports enthusiasts worldwide, have avidly followed these tournaments. The comprehensive media coverage keeps them engaged with the sports, motivating them to participate in Urban Rec's leagues and events, thus boosting interest and membership numbers.

3. Fostering a Sense of Community

The Women's FIFA World Cup and the Netball World Cup have become communal events, bringing fans together to celebrate the spirit of sport. Urban Rec recognizes the value of building a supportive and inclusive community, and these tournaments have played a significant role in enhancing the sense of camaraderie among its members.

For Matilda’s opening game against Ireland, Urban Rec hosted 8 of our members to the stadium in Homebush. Members from Newcastle, Wollongong, and Canberra were in attendance. This event is all about fostering and rewarding our loyal members who regularly contribute to the wider communities they play in. 

4. Advocating Gender Equality

The tournaments have not only showcased athletic prowess but also served as platforms for advocating gender equality and empowering women in sports. The discussions around equal pay, representation, and opportunities in soccer and netball have resonated deeply with Urban Rec members who are passionate about fostering inclusivity and fairness in sports.

These conversations have motivated individuals to become active supporters of gender equality initiatives in the world of sports, thereby enriching the ethos of Urban Rec as a club that promotes a level playing field for all.

The Women's FIFA World Cup and the Netball World Cup have played an instrumental role in elevating the popularity of soccer and netball at Urban Rec Social Sports Club. These global events have inspired female athletes, increased media coverage, fostered a sense of community, and advocated for gender equality in sports. As the enthusiasm continues to grow, Urban Rec stands as a prime example of how these tournaments have sparked a positive wave of engagement and passion for soccer and netball at the local level. As a result, more individuals are not only watching the games but actively participating in these sports, enriching the vibrant community at Urban Rec.

BENEFITS OF PLAYING SOCIAL TEAM SPORTS?

July 18, 2023 - 2 years ago

Engaging in social team sports offers a wide range of benefits that can positively impact physical, mental, and social well-being. Here are some of the main benefits:

1. Physical Health: Team sports provide an excellent way to stay physically active and improve overall fitness. Regular participation in sports helps enhance cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, improve coordination, and increase flexibility.

2. Weight Management: Being actively involved in team sports can assist in maintaining a healthy body weight. The combination of physical activity and social engagement can be more motivating and enjoyable, leading to more consistent exercise habits.

3. Mental Health: Social team sports can have a significant positive impact on mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.

4. Social Interaction: Participating in team sports provides an opportunity to socialize and build meaningful connections with others. It helps develop teamwork, communication, and cooperation skills, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

5. Stress Reduction: Engaging in sports with a team can be a great way to unwind and take a break from daily stressors. It serves as a healthy outlet for managing stress and pent-up emotions.

6. Confidence and Self-Esteem: Achieving personal and team goals in sports can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. It provides a sense of accomplishment and empowers individuals to take on challenges in other aspects of life.

7. Time Management and Discipline: Committing to regular team practices and games instills discipline and time management skills, as players need to balance their sports activities with other responsibilities.

8. Problem-Solving Skills: Team sports often involve strategic planning and decision-making. Players learn to adapt to changing situations, analyze opponents' strategies, and find effective solutions on the fly.

9. Cultural and Social Understanding: In diverse teams, players get exposed to different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding among individuals.

10. Long-lasting Friendships: Team sports often create strong bonds among teammates, leading to lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging to a community.

11. Healthy Competition: Healthy competition in team sports can be motivating and push individuals to improve their skills and performance, striving for personal and team excellence.

12. Character Development: Team sports teach important values like discipline, perseverance, sportsmanship, and respect for others, helping individuals grow as well-rounded individuals.

Overall, social team sports provide a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being while promoting social integration and personal development. Whether it's in a competitive league or a casual recreational setting, participating in team sports can lead to a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Regenerate response

NAIDOC WEEK 2023

June 22, 2023 - 2 years ago

This Naidoc week Urban Rec asked artist, Urban Rec Member and proud proud Ngunnawal, Bundjalung and Kamilaroi woman Shaenice Miles to create an artwork that represents our community. Shaenice wanted to create something to represent the amazing community Urban Rec creates. We are so excited and proud to have something that represents us so well.

BUY A SHIRT

This Naidoc week we will be selling a limited edition (80 only) Narragunnawali shirts with all proceeds going to National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy, who use sport and mentoring to engage young people, build self esteem and enable a strong sense of autonomy through personal development. You can find out more about the amazing work NASCA is doing or donate directly here.

Get the squad together and get a new kit or just get yourself some epic swag while helping an amazing organisation. Pre-order your shirt here. There’s only 80 and its first in, best dressed. Shirts are $35 with all proceeds going to NASCA.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Narragunnawali (English Translation Coming Together)
The Artwork I wanted to create was something to represent the amazing community Urban Rec creates and will create. Each component of the artwork – the middle bit is a meeting circle with each of the community members coming together to play sports. There are footprints representing the different journeys and diverse backgrounds we all come from. The different meeting circles at the bottom is all cultures coming together to represent Reconciliation. The dots is to represent all the sports and sporting levels each individual brings. The blue, orange and yellow bit represents everyone coming together during different seasons and times throughout the year.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST

My name is Shaenice Miles, and I am a proud Ngunnawal, Bundjalung and Kamilaroi woman. I have grown up in Canberra and have been amongst the Urban Rec community playing social basketball. The one thing I love about Urban Rec is the social community, and friends you get to connect with.

ADDITIONAL NAIDOC WEEK AKNOWLEGEMENTS

This Naidoc week Urban Rec is coming together with our community doing the following to celebrate the first nations people of this wonderful country we call home.

• We’ve partnered with artist proud Ngunnawal, Bundjalung and Kamilaroi woman Shaenice Miles to create Narragunnawali a design that represents our community.
• We’ve created a limited edition shirt using the design which we are selling with all proceeds going to the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy.
• We’ve changed all of our sports locations to include the (land) that they are located on.
• We’re adding an acknowledgement to country into our League Managers first day on ground team welcomes with the help of indigenous leaders.