UOW Pulse’s ‘Play free sport’ initiative provides a space for students to engage in light-hearted physical activity while socialising with their peers.

The initiative, which runs basketball on Tuesdays, badminton on Wednesdays, and soccer on Thursdays, is held in conjunction with UniActive. UOW Pulse Volunteer Coordinator, Phoebe Eldridge-Smith says she has seen regular participation levels across the semester.

“As time’s progressed, we get about 40 students who come to badminton every single week,” she said.

“The regular crew [at] soccer gets about eight to ten people, and basketball gets about 20 to 30 people on a week-to-week basis.

“It’s becoming more and more popular… I’d just like to see the program grow and grow.”

While it’s coordinated on a larger scale by UOW Pulse, the ongoing operation is made possible by the initiative and dedication of voluntary student leaders who coordinate the two-hour weekly sessions.