YOUR GUIDE TO SOCIAL SPORTS Let’s Get Physical

The 2023 winter sports season is upon us, which for many means the months ahead will be consumed by training sessions, game days, washing uniforms, cutting up oranges, and lending a hand with club duties. But if you’re chasing a hit, a kick, or a throw with all the fun and none of the commitment, we’ve got you.

This is your guide to just some of the social sports on offer here in Esperance, so you can get a sweat up in a non-competitive (and noncommittal!) environment, and make a few new friends while you’re at it.

Badminton

Did you know badminton is the world’s fastest racquet sport, with shuttlecocks clocking up speeds of more than 300 kilometres per hour? If you’ve got what it takes to keep up, or if you’d simply like to have a go, join the Esperance Badminton Association at the Graham Mackenzie Stadium on Mondays at 7pm or Wednesdays at 9:30am. To find out more, search for the Esperance Badminton Association on Facebook.

Croquet

There are many benefits to enjoying a spot of croquet – it’s gentle on the joints, highly social, and allows ample opportunity to soak in some vitamin D. The friendly folk of the Esperance Croquet Club meet at the Esperance Bowling Club multiple times a week, playing on Mondays at 1:30pm, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:20am and 1:30pm, and Saturdays at 1pm.

Cycling

No ride with the Esperance Cycling Club is complete without a cup of coffee. The club caters for a wide range of abilities and encourages social riders to join them for a group ride, followed by a cuppa and a chat. Perfect for early risers, they ride Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings year-round, with larger events held between September and June. For more info, check out www.esperancecyclingclub.com.

Dance

Shuffle, jive, and waltz your way through Tuesday evenings with Just Dance at the RAOB Hall behind the Bijou Theatre. The friendly group dances year-round and encourages newbies to join in the fun – no partner required. Dancing kicks off at 6pm and costs $5 per person. For more info, look up ‘Just Dance – Esperance’ on Facebook. Old Time and New Vogue ballroom dancing also takes place at the RAOB Hall on Fridays from 7pm. No experience and no partner required, just a willingness to have a good time!

Indoor Hockey

A less competitive alternative to the much bigger winter comp, Esperance Hockey Association ran indoor social hockey over five weeks throughout February and March. The evenings combined training with round robinstyle games and were open to players of all abilities of high school age and up. While the program has now wrapped up to make room for the 2023 outdoor season, keep an eye on Facebook over summer for opportunities to play socially.

Lawn Bowls

Barefoot bowls was bigger than ever this year, with 28 teams joining in the fun at Esperance Bowling Club. With the bar open and a serve of bangers and mash included in the $10 playing fee, it’s little wonder the six-week comp was so popular. And while barefoot bowls wrapped up in March, lawn bowls are played year-round, with a good mix of social offerings and competitive tournaments. Head to the Esperance Bowling Club page on Facebook to stay up to date.

Netball

If you love netty but your knees don’t, keep your eyes peeled for walking netball, which is currently in the planning stages. This winter, Esperance Netball Association will also run No Limits Netball, a program that supports people with disabilities playing netball for sport, fun and, in some cases, as a form of therapy. Once the winter season is done and dusted, mixed netball will get underway, giving both guys and girls the opportunity to jump on court in a fun and social environment. Keep updated on the local netball scene by following Esperance Netball Association on Facebook.

Rugby

An eight-week rugby touch 7s comp is currently underway on Monday nights. The social comp for anyone aged 14 years and older will run yearly, so if you missed out this year, keep an eye on the Esperance Rugby Club page on Facebook to get involved next time. The grand final will be held on May 8 from 5:45pm –head on down to Esperance Football Oval to show your support. Club president Dan Behsman is always keen to hear from locals wanting to play rugby union. Give him a call on 0438 976 132 to register your interest.

Soccer

Bend it like Beckham with a game of futsal, a high-intensity, five-a-side version of soccer. Currently played at the Esperance Indoor Stadium, Esperance Soccer Association offers futsal on Wednesdays from 7pm, and welcomes all players aged 15 years and older. When this wraps up midmonth, Sunday arvo soccer will kick off. Women's soccer is also played on Monday nights, with gals 15 years and older welcome to join the fun from 5:30pm. The games aren't taken too seriously and beginners are encouraged to play - the more experienced crew are happy to show you the ropes! For info on all things soccer in Esperance, head to www.espsoccer.tidyhq.com.

Table Tennis

A game that is as fast as it is fun!

The Esperance Table Tennis Club meets at the Scout Hall on Thursdays at 9am. The club plays year-round and welcomes anyone to drop in and have a go for just $5 per person.

B UT WAIT ... THERE ’ S MORE !

Tennis

If you’re looking for a casual hit of tennis, Esperance Tennis Club offers flexible sessions with no set number of games in a relaxed environment. Social doubles are played at the club on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9am – 11am. You don’t need to be the next Federer or Williams to join, with players of all levels welcome on court. Daytime court hire is also available for $15 an hour. For further details, hit up www.esperancetennisclub.com.au.

Walking

Esperance Walking Group have been pounding the pavement for almost 30 years. Meet the group in the car park behind the RSL just before 9am on Tuesdays and Thursdays – they’re hard to miss in their bright blue polo shirts. A post-walk cuppa is guaranteed, with members hanging around afterwards to share a thermos on the lawn, or head to a local café.

This is not an exhaustive list of the social sports available in Esperance. Whether you’re into shooting, golf, sailing or boot scooting, there’s a club waiting for you! The Shire of Esperance Community Database lists most local organisations, clubs, and groups, and is a great resource for anyone wanting to see what’s on offer in town. Check it out at www.esperance.wa.gov.au/community-database.