The disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic has led many Australians to reconsider their relationship with work and leisure. As students at the University of Wollongong return to in-person classes, social and sporting clubs, such as the UOW Volleyball Club, are reporting an increase in registrations, with students making an effort to maintain a work-life balance.
UOW Volleyball coach and treasurer Rhys Blacklidge said club members get to decide how much they want to put in and get out of the experience.
“The amount of opportunities you have are endless and they’re all determined by what you want to do as a member,” Blacklidge said.
The volleyball club holds social training sessions and aims to foster a supportive and relaxed sporting environment for its members, focusing more on skill development than competition.
UOWTV spoke with Blacklidge and UOW Volleyball player Tomas Rushton about the benefit clubs bring to the lives of students.