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"Lots of laughs and no experience needed!"

20/8/2023

We’ll be back on court after our winter recess, on Monday 4th September at 10am.

We play weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, in a game of modified basketball-lots of laughs and no experience needed, and we always conclude with coffee and a chat.

New players are always welcome, and convenor Marlene can be contacted on 0428210944 for more information.

Julie McNeill

July - "Lifeball continues its winter recess ..."

30/7/2023

Lifeball continues its winter recess, with a return to play on Monday September 4th. When the mornings are not so frosty, we play weekly at 10am at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.

New players who would like to try this modified basketball game are always welcome, and convenor Marlene can be contacted on 0428210944 for more information.

Julie McNeill

"We'll be back on court, energised and refreshed, in September"

23/6/2023

It was great to see everyone come along for a final game before our winter recess-we wish our travellers well, and will be back on court, energised and refreshed (and warmer) on Monday September 4th.

Lifeball is played weekly at 10am at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.It’s a great team sport, and anyone interested in joining us in September is encouraged to call Marlene on 0428210944 for more information.

Julie McNeill

Weekly games continue to be a source of laughter and active play! Also, news of our upcoming winter recess...

24/5/2023

Our weekly games continue to be a source of much laughter with some great game strategies on display, and some very active play in the chilly stadium. Numbers have continued steady but with the onset of the cold weather, we have decided on a winter recess,as people plan to travel. Our last game for now will be on Monday 12th June, with a return date of Monday 4th September.

Lifeball is a great way to continue enjoying team sports, and we always welcome new players.Convenor Marlene Pitts can be contacted on 0428210944 for more information.

Julie McNeill

We are always happy to see new interest in the game!

23/4/2023

Our numbers continue to remain steady enough that we can count on a fun and challenging game each week, although sometimes (rovers, anyone?) our concentration is tested!

While we can adapt the game to the number of players each week, we are always happy to see new interest in the game, which is a great way to continue enjoying a team sport in a safe environment.

We play at Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre each Monday at 10am, and convenor Marlene Pitts can be contacted on 0428210944 for more information.

Julie McNeill

"It is always a fast, and funny, game"

25/3/2023

While numbers are stabilising, we are always happy to see new players and enjoyed having some extra family members along to keep us on our mettle. We continue to swap between full and half court depending on numbers but it is always a fast, and funny, game.

If you are looking for a new way to keep fit, Lifeball is worth a try. One of many team sports now adapted for older players, it provides a safe and fun way to exercise, with post game analysis always including a cuppa and a chat.

We play at Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre each Monday at 10am, and convenor Marlene Pitts can be contacted on 0428210944 for more information. Players are asked to check the calendar, or contact Marlene, for an update on Easter dates.

Julie McNeill

"We are keeping on our toes each week"

24/2/2023

With our numbers gradually edging up, we are keeping on our toes each week as we adjust the game to the players available. It was a novelty to return to a full court this week with a fast and enjoyable game being played.

Lifeball is a team sport played at walking pace, and is great for anyone looking for a different way to keep fit. We are always happy to welcome new players and can be found at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre every Monday at 10am.

Convenor Marlene Pitts can be contacted for more information on 0428210944.

Julie McNeill

'We enjoyed a fast paced game full of hilarity'

28/1/2023

After a couple of false starts due to heat, floods and holiday absences, we finally returned to the court and enjoyed a fast paced game full of hilarity. The enforced rest seems to have done wonders for our skills, and reminded us how much we enjoyed playing.With numbers slightly down as some long term players retire, we are keen to welcome anyone interested to come along on Monday mornings and see what Lifeball is all about.

We play at 10am at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre. Lifeball is a team sport at a walking pace, based on basketball and netball, so if you would like to find a new way to keep fit, welcome! The game is always followed by a cuppa and a chat and lots of laughter. Convenor Marlene Pitts can be contacted on 0428210944 for more information.

Julie McNeill

Latest update! Lifeball to recommence this Monday 23 January 10am

21/1/2023

Lifeball will now recommence on Monday 23 January, 10 am at the Ackerley Avenue Leisure Centre.

Great news for all Lifeball lovers!

Web team

We celebrated making it through 2022 at a lively morning tea...

25/11/2022

Sadly, the ongoing rain and flooding of parts of Benalla meant that we have been unable to return to the Indoor Recreation Centre, and will need to wait for the all-clear from Council in the New Year.This has affected all groups using the Centre. We did, however, enjoy a lively morning tea to celebrate making it through 2022, and thank Marlene for organising, and for much laughter as we shared some “secrets” about ourselves.

Lifeball is a team sport based on basketball, suited to any fitness level, and played weekly on Mondays. The newsletter will be updated about our return date, and Marlene can also be contacted on 0428210944.

Julie McNeill

Lifeball Update

16/11/2022

As the stadium is closed for now, the Lifeball year has ended. The group is planning to start playing again in the new year subject to advice from council. Members should either contact Marlene or wait for emails for updates.

Julie McNeill

Lifeball adjourned to Monday 14th November....

23/10/2022

Just as we were warming up and welcoming back our travellers, we had the news that the Indoor Rec Centre is closed pending assessment after the town’s recent flooding. Luckily we did manage a couple of games in October before this happened, and hopefully there will be more games before we break for Christmas.

In the meantime, we have decided on a return date of 14th November, so that all necessary safety checks,including the effect on flooring, can be completed.

For new and returning players, we meet at 10am weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.Coordinator Marlene Pitts is available on 0407240943, and will keep current players updated by email of any changes.

Julie McNeill

'Having the flexibility to play full or half court is a bonus'

25/9/2022

Ten players celebrated the end of our winter recess on 19th September with an enthusiastic half court game. Numbers should increase over the next couple of weeks, but having the flexibility to play full or half court is a bonus--provided we can remember the slightly different rules!

New players are always welcome- Lifeball is a great way to continue to play a team sport, and is great for coordination and stamina.Our games are scheduled weekly at 10am Mondays at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.

Coordinator Marlene Pitts can be contacted on 0407240943 for more details. Also, until numbers settle down, it would be really helpful if members could confirm their attendance before each weekly session with Marlene.

Julie McNeill

'We are sure to return in the spring!'

26/8/2022

Our winter recess is continuing slightly longer than anticipated as numbers remain low, but we are sure to return in the spring! At this stage, despite a couple of attempts, we have not been able to set a date, but with the return of travellers from warmer states, we are hopeful of mustering a full team. Watch this space! Rupert has extended a welcome from Wangaratta Lifeball in the meantime--contact Marlene for details.

Our games are scheduled at 10am Mondays at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, and provide a great way to continue playing a team sport. Coordinator Marlene Pitts on 0407240943 can provide details, and will also keep players updated on return dates.

Julie McNeill

A winter recess - we'll be back on Monday 5th September!

25/7/2022

With falling numbers, freezing temperatures and ever-increasing layers of clothes needed to stay warm on court, we decided it was time for a winter recess, as people are travelling, and we are also thinking Covid numbers are a bit too high for safety just now. We will be back on court on Monday 5th September, hopefully fit and refreshed.

Lifeball is a great game for people who’ve always enjoyed team sports, and even those who haven’t. We play every Monday 10am at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, and follow the game with a warming cuppa, some post-match analysis, and some laughs. If you would like to come and try, or come and watch, coordinator Marlene Pitts is happy to hear from you on 0407240943.

Regular players are also asked to let Marlene know of absences.

Julie McNeill

Lifeball is an adaptable game, great exercise and lots of fun!

25/6/2022

Our games continue to fluctuate between full and half court, as we adjust to varying numbers with the colder weather. Luckily, Lifeball is an adaptable game and we continue to manage some great exercise and some laughs.

If you’ve always enjoyed team sports, or even if you’ve never been involved in any, come and join us--we play a walking pace ballgame weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, with a warming cuppa, biscuit and chat afterwards.

Coordinator Marlene Pitts is available for further information on 0407240943, or come along at 10am Mondays.

Players are also asked to advise Marlene if they will be away.

Julie McNeill

'Luckily a few minutes on the court warms us up!'

25/5/2022

Some chilly mornings are making it harder to focus on fitness, but luckily a few minutes on the court warms us up. If you’ve always enjoyed team sports, come and try Lifeball. It’s a walking pace ballgame played weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, with a warming cuppa and biscuit afterwards.

A fun and safe way to maintain fitness, we’re always happy to see new players--contact coordinator Marlene Pitts on 0407240943, or come along at 10am Mondays. Players are also asked to advise Marlene if they will be away.

Please note that there will not be a Lifeball session on the Queen's Birthday Public Holiday on Monday 13th June.

Julie McNeill

"So many public holidays on a Monday!"

30/4/2022

So many public holidays on a Monday! We have enjoyed the games we have had this month, but Easter, Anzac Day and the temptation to travel in the lovely autumn weather have made their mark.

Luckily, we’re an enthusiastic group, and will be back on court on May 2nd at 10 am.

Lifeball is a walking pace ballgame played weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, and is great for anyone who enjoys team sports, as well as being a fun and safe way to maintain fitness.

Coordinator Marlene Pitts is happy to provide more information on 0407240943. Players are also asked to advise Marlene if they will be away

Julie McNeill

No Lifeball on Monday 25 April due to Anzac Day

22/4/2022

There will be no Lifeball on Monday 25 April due to Anzac Day. Our schedule will be back to normal by Monday 2nd May.

Julie

We're always happy to welcome new faces!

25/3/2022

It has been great to see our numbers staying steady, although we’re always happy to welcome new faces--those half court games can be intense! Lifeball is played weekly at 10am at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, and is a great game for people looking for a team sport. A walking pace ballgame, it’s a safe and interesting way to maintain fitness.

To keep track of each week’s numbers, players are asked to contact Marlene on 0407240943 if they will be away.

Julie McNeill

'It has been great to be back and to welcome some new players!'

26/2/2022

Our minds were stretching as much as our bodies as we returned to play on Feb 14th, as we focussed on a fast and funny half court game. It has been great to be back, and also to welcome some new players!

We are always happy to welcome more - Lifeball is a walking pace ballgame, suited to any level of skill, and we play weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre at 10am Mondays.It is great fun, and great exercise.

To keep track of each week’s numbers, players are asked to let Marlene know on 0407240943 if they will be away.

Julie McNeill

Best laid plans .... revised start date 14th February

28/1/2022

The best laid plans….our scheduled, and much anticipated-return to play on January 17th was delayed as Omicron took hold of the virus numbers.

We now have a revised start date of Monday 14th February, which will hopefully give players time to organise booster shots.

New and continuing players are asked to contact Marlene Pitts on 0407240943 or Julie McNeill on 0407823031 if there is any uncertainty-we have had a few hiccups this past fortnight but are now back on track-thank you, everyone!

Lifeball is a walking pace ballgame, suited to any level of skill, played weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre at 10am each Monday. It is great fun, and great exercise..

Players both new and returning are reminded to complete enrolment before beginning-forms can be left at Redb4 bookshop.

Julie McNeill

December - Lifeball Photo Shoot!

20/12/2021

From signing in...

to warm ups... (slide show)

then... 'Let the game begin!'.... (slide show)

And of course... a group photo.... (instead of saying cheese.... say 'Lifeball'!)

Post script: Unfortunately Julie McNeill, who writes the newsletter reports and sends in photos for the website wasn't present on the day I visited, hoping to include her in the photographs. Next year, Julie! Thank you so much or being the group's newsletter correspondent! Thanks also to the wonderful Life Ball group for allowing me take this 'photo shoot' of such a happy session.

Bev Lee
Media Team

2021 "...An interesting and challenging year for us all"

20/12/2021

Our Christmas celebration was a great success, with the Recreation Centre taking on a party atmosphere, and the caterers doing a fast and efficient Christmas lunch for us after our game. It was great to be able to relax and review what has been an interesting and challenging year for us all - our thanks to Marlene and Jan, especially, for organising lunch, and to everyone for games, jokes and cleaning up!

We will return to playing on Monday 17th January at 10am. New and continuing players can contact convenor Marlene Pitts on 0407240943 for further information. Lifeball is a walking pace ballgame, played weekly at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre, and suited to any level of skill, with a lot of laughs along the way!

Julie McNeill

We were finally able to dust ourselves off & return to the court!

26/10/2021

With the return of indoor community sport on 21st October we were finally able to dust ourselves off, mentally and physically, and return to the court. Much laughter was heard as we stretched unused muscles, and tried to focus attention on where the ball was!

It was great to see such a good turnout and we hope to sharpen our skills in the weeks left before Christmas. As always, new players are welcome to come and join us- Lifeball is a walking pace game suitable for any skill level, and is tremendous fun. We play at 10am Mondays at the Indoor Recreation Centre-for further information please contact convenor Marlene Pitts on 0407240943.

Players are reminded that they must be double vaxed as per general U3A policy.

Julie McNeill

Lifeball's (Covid safe) lunch during Lockdown - Monday 27 September - Benalla Gardens

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About Lifeball

Missing team sports? Looking for a different way to keep fit? Lifeball might be what you're looking for. It's a game adapted from basketball which suits all ages and abilities, and is great for balance and coordination - no experience necessary! We're a competitive group who get plenty of laughs rom playing, and always finish up with a cuppa and discussion of the finer points of the game. New players are always welcome to drop in and see us in action. .

Meeting times

Every Monday
10 am - 11.30 am

When the Ackerley Avenue Indoor Recreation Centre, recently affected by floods, becomes available (or an alternative venue is found).

Convenors and contact details

Marlene Pitts
0428 210 944

Julie McNeill 0407823031

Find out more about Lifeball

Lifeball Australia

'Fun and Friendship with Lifeball' video

About Lifeball

Meeting times

Convenors and contact details

Find out more about Lifeball

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