Ever wondered what Women’s Community Night is really like? We took to the scene to talk to organisers and participants, giving you an insight into the ins and outs of Women’s Community Night and why you should join.
What is Women’s Community Night?
Women’s Community Nights are events for women to come together in an inclusive and supportive environment to engage in recreational sport. Featuring both learn-to-play and drop-in formats, they are an excellent opportunity for women to play team sports at no cost. These sports include, but are not limited to, volleyball, basketball, and flag football.
What do our organizers say?
The amazingly dedicated volunteers from UBC Recreation are here to facilitate Women’s Community Nights, aiming to make them the best experience for all participants. Speaking to some volunteers, it’s evident that they thoroughly enjoy seeing participants having fun. They cherish watching attendees grow to love sports and returning for future community nights. For people considering whether they should attend a Women’s Community Night event, they say not to hesitate! It might seem unfamiliar at first, but the staff are incredibly welcoming and friendly. Most other participants are in the same boat, which leads to natural bonding and friendships. Some of our volunteers have even had lifelong friendships come out of Women’s Community Night! You will see both new and familiar faces the more events you attend. The coaching provided is a helpful asset to making community nights enriching experiences, especially in a low-stakes setting. Watching women of all skill levels work together to improve throughout the program is empowering. A plus point noted by the UBC Recreation volunteers are the provided snacks!
What do participants say?
Our wonderful participants in Women’s Community Nights are a very diverse group. Coming from different programs, faculties, and sports skill levels, they find Women’s Community Night to be a great way to meet a variety of people and create lasting connections. Many participants acknowledge the “vibes” at these events: endearing, fun, welcoming, and sociable. Having a women-only environment added to participants’ comfort in joining Women’s Community Night and bonding with women who have a common interest in sports. Many attendees with prior sports experience found Women’s Community Night to be an ideal alternative for an intramural team they were unable to register for, or for players who had not played recently and were looking for outlets to find a team and play. For others, it was a way to get their exercise in while exploring new sports and gaining confidence in their personal fitness journeys. Some simply jumped at the opportunity to enjoy campus facilities, like the Student Recreation Centre and MacInnes Field.
So, should you join?
Absolutely! Women’s Community Nights have something for everyone. It is a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment filled with like-minded women who love or are learning to love recreational sports. The free, low-stakes program is perfect for everyone to get active, make valuable connections, and have a good time. Registrations are available now. We hope to see you there!
Written by Sarah Kazmi