2025 T-Shirt Design Competition

November 4, 2024 - 14 days ago

In 2025 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 chavmpions)
• 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?

Where to play Basketball in Brisbane?

August 15, 2024 - 3 months ago

Top Basketball Spots in Brisbane

Brisbane offers plenty of spots for basketball enthusiasts, from casual pick-up games to more organized sessions. Whether you're looking for an outdoor court to shoot some hoops or a structured league to join, Brisbane has something for everyone. Here are some of the top locations:

1. Yeronga State School with Urban Rec

Yeronga State School is a prime spot for basketball, especially for those who prefer a more organized game. Urban Rec runs social sports leagues here, offering a fun and inclusive environment. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, Urban Rec at Yeronga State School is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the game in a friendly, social setting. The league focuses on mixed-gender teams and emphasizes fun over competition, making it ideal for those looking to play basketball in a relaxed atmosphere.

2. West End Outdoor Courts

Located near the Brisbane River, the West End courts are a favorite among locals for pick-up games. The vibrant community atmosphere and the scenic surroundings make it a popular spot, especially in the evenings. These courts are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a spontaneous game without the need for formal arrangements.

3. Brisbane Basketball (Auchenflower)

For those seeking a more competitive edge, Brisbane Basketball in Auchenflower is the place to be. As one of the city's premier indoor facilities, it hosts a range of competitions and training programs. Whether you're looking to join a league or just refine your skills, this facility caters to players of all levels.

4. New Farm Park Courts

New Farm Park is another great outdoor option. These courts are located in a picturesque park setting, making them a popular choice for both casual games and more organized meetups. The courts are well-maintained, and the park's amenities make it a convenient spot for a day out with friends or family.

5. Mt. Gravatt Indoor Sports

If you prefer playing indoors, Mt. Gravatt Indoor Sports offers a comfortable and weather-proof option. The facility hosts various sports, including basketball, and is known for its well-organized leagues and friendly community. It's a great place to meet fellow basketball enthusiasts and enjoy the game, rain or shine.

6. Kangaroo Point Cliffs

While primarily known for its climbing spots, Kangaroo Point also offers some great basketball courts. The courts are surrounded by the stunning cliffs and river views, providing a unique backdrop for a game of basketball. The location is especially popular on weekends, drawing in players from all over Brisbane.

Conclusion

Brisbane has a diverse range of basketball courts and facilities to cater to every type of player. Whether you're looking for a casual game, a social league, or a competitive match, you'll find a spot that suits your style. Don't forget to check out Urban Rec at Yeronga State School for a fun, social basketball experience!

NEWSLETTER ONLY DISCOUNT CODE

January 1, 2024 - 10 months ago

HELLO, 

YOU JUST UNLOCKED OUR SECRET (NEWSLETTER ONLY) CODE TO GET $30 OFF REGISTRATION. 

USE THE CODE DIRTY30 TO GET $30 OFF ANY REGISTRATION 

Discount expires on Monday 9th September at 12noon. 

BENEFITS OF PLAYING SOCIAL TEAM SPORTS?

July 18, 2023 - one year 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.

TIPS FOR (ACTUALLY) SOCIAL BASKETBALL

June 30, 2023 - one year ago

What’s up players?!! Did you know that social basketball is played in almost all of Urban Rec’s locations around Australia? If you're keen on having a ripper time on the court and shooting hoops with your mates, then social basketball is where it's at! Whether you're a seasoned baller or just starting out, we've got a few tips to help you make the most of your game and avoid any rookie mistakes. Grab your sneakers and let's get into it!

First things first, it's all about teamwork. Our basketball leagues are more about having fun rather than winning championships (okay okay we know winning is awesome but having fun is actually better!). Make sure you communicate with your team and play off each other's strengths. 

Now, let's talk about defense! Playing solid D can make a huge difference in the game. Get in your opponent's face, use your wingspan, and don't be afraid to get a bit physical. Just don't go overboard and commit any fouls that'll earn you a trip to the bench! Keep it friendly and have a laugh along the way.

When it comes to shooting, practice makes perfect!. Hit up the local court or your backyard and work on your jump shot. Get your aim right, focus on your form, and don't forget to follow through with that flick of the wrist! If you miss a shot, no worries, mate. Keep your chin up and hustle for the rebound. There's always another opportunity to sink that three-pointer!

Another thing to keep in mind is fitness. Basketball can be a real cardio workout, so make sure you're in decent nick so you don’t let your teammates down. Run some laps, do some sprints, and get those lungs pumping. Don't forget to stretch before and after the game to avoid any injuries. The last thing you want to do is pull out of your game! That ain’t fun.

Lastly, don't be a ball hog. Sharing is caring, and in social basketball, everyone deserves a fair go. Pass the ball, involve your teammates, and make sure everyone gets their fair share of play time. Remember, the more everyone gets involved, the more fun it'll be for everyone!

So there you have it, there’s a few handy tips to keep in mind for your social basketball sessions. Play hard, have a laugh, and enjoy the banter with your mates. Just remember, it's not all about the scoreboard, but about the good times you'll have both on and off the court. Now go out there, give it a red-hot crack, and may the basketball gods be on your side!

HOW DOES NETBALL HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?

June 29, 2023 - one year ago

Did you know that you burn an estimate of 449 calories in a 45 minute netball game? That is equivalent to 4 Gin and Tonics or 2 chocolate bars!

Netball is an epic sport that can help with a common new year's resolution almost all of us have. Do you have any guesses as to what we’re referring to? It’s weightloss! Netball is fast-paced as the nature of the game involves constant running, jumping, and changes in direction. You’re going to start working up a sweat within 5 minutes of playing and while you’re catching your breath, don’t give up just yet. Be sure to remember that playing netball helps to increase cardiovascular fitness, burn fat, and improve muscle tone. 

We mentioned that running and jumping are a part of netball but how does someone actually lose weight while playing netball? The thing is, you need to move quickly and efficiently using a combination of strength, agility, and coordination to outmaneuver opponents and score points. The intensity of the game means that players can burn a significant number of calories in a relatively short amount of time, making netball a great option for those looking to lose weight. Playing for a short time and burning a lot of calories sounds like a dream come true really! 

While netball is super great for weight loss, it is also a social sport that can help to improve mental wellbeing. Joining a netball team can provide a sense of camaraderie and belonging, as well as the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. This social aspect can be particularly beneficial for those who may be struggling with weight loss and looking for support and encouragement from others. Playing netball can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a common trigger for overeating or unhealthy food choices.

Here at Urban Rec, we love to support our community in achieving their goals. Whether it’s about trying to lose weight, learning a new sport, making new friends or all three and much more! Netball is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels which is what Urban rec is all about! Urban Rec provides a sustainable and enjoyable way to incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle, leading to long-term weight loss and improved overall health.

HOW DOES SPORT IMPROVE SOCIAL SKILLS?

June 29, 2023 - one year ago

Hey legends! We’re always saying Urban Rec is more than sports but do you know why? There’s a reason why you’re reading our blog so we think you already know the answer to that question. We’d love to let you know how freaking amazing sport is for your social skills. Here's the lowdown on how getting in the game can level up your social game:

1. Teamwork makes the dream work: Playing sports with a team teaches you how to work together towards a common goal. You gotta communicate, coordinate, and trust your teammates. This helps you develop awesome teamwork skills that transfer to real-life situations like group projects or even just hanging out with your crew.

2. Making friends: Sports are a bloody awesome way to meet new people and make friends. Whether you're joining a team or just playing casually, you're bound to meet fellow sports enthusiasts who share your passion. You share the highs, the lows, and the bloody awesome moments, which creates a bond that's stronger than a crocodile's grip.

3. Winning and losing gracefully: Sports teach you how to handle victories and defeats. You gotta learn to celebrate the wins without being a sore winner and accept losses without throwing a major tantrum. This helps you develop sportsmanship and resilience, which are key qualities for handling setbacks in life with a positive attitude.

4. Communication on fleek: When you're in the game, communication is key, ya hear us? You’ve got to shout out plays, call for passes, and support your teammates. Effective communication on the field translates to real-life situations, where you gotta express yourself clearly, listen actively, and understand others. It's like leveling up your social interaction skills! A win-win!

5. Respect all around: Sports teach you to respect your opponents, teammates, and officials. You learn to play fair, follow the rules, and treat everyone with respect, regardless of their skills or background. This respect carries over into your everyday life, making you a bloody legend to be around.

So, there you have it, mate! Sports give you the chance to develop killer social skills and that’s one of the things we love about Urban Rec. It’s more than sport. You practice teamwork, making friends, handling wins and losses, communication, and respect. Get out there, play hard, and watch your social game level up to epic awesomeness!

NAIDOC WEEK 2023

June 26, 2023 - one year 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.