The Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies

The Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies A place of engagement for every out there. Alumni/Grad/ Undergrad- All are welcome. Whether you're Alumni, Graduate, or Undergraduate: all are welcome!

Founded and directed by Dr. Lisbeth Berbary, Associate Professor in RLS, the Theorypractice Lab () is a community solida...
06/01/2026

Founded and directed by Dr. Lisbeth Berbary, Associate Professor in RLS, the Theorypractice Lab () is a community solidarity lab that brings together students, staff, faculty, and community members to explore how power shapes our lives and to build collective resilience through popular education.
Last term, the Lab partnered with the Social Development Centre of Waterloo Region (.wr) and Textile (), led by RLS alum Fitsum Areguy, to focus its programming on housing justice and tenant organizing in the Waterloo Region.
Supported by a Health EDI‑AR Seed Grant and co‑directed by Dr. Karim Wissa, the Lab hosted four high‑impact events that deepened community knowledge and action:
Book Study with Dr. Adra Raine (.raine) on The Tenant Class by Ricardo Tranjan
Teach‑in on Bill 60 with local organizer Meg Walker
Community Forum featuring author Ricardo Tranjan () and Meg Walker
Hands‑on Workshop on “How to Start a Tenant Association” with organizers Meg Walker and Lynn Intini
The Lab will continue its programming in the Fall. RLS students interested in community‑engaged learning can also look ahead to a Practicum opportunity in Fall 2026 (for students who have completed REC 201). Students may contact Dr. Berbary for details.
A huge thank‑you to everyone involved last term—TPL RAs Patrick Kelly and Caitlin Tizzard; volunteer organizers Ayma Bukhari and Sam Casais; and all Lab affiliates and friends who contributed to this work.
Stay connected with the Lab:
Instagram:
YouTube: TheorypracticeLab
Join the mailing list: https://uwaterloo.ca/theorypractice-lab/join-our-mailing-list

Feature Friday: Meet Cary Foo!Cary is a PhD student in Recreation and Leisure Studies whose research explores the role a...
05/29/2026

Feature Friday: Meet Cary Foo!

Cary is a PhD student in Recreation and Leisure Studies whose research explores the role and impact of elite sports on amateur sport participation.

Last week, Cary presented at the 2026 Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (CCLR) Conference in Nanaimo, BC, where he shared research examining the “demonstration effect” in Chinese football and explored why amateur participation can continue to grow even when elite-level performance falls short. The conference provided an opportunity to connect with leisure and sport scholars from across the country and gain valuable feedback to support his doctoral research.

CCLR also marked an exciting personal milestone, as Cary was officially introduced as a Canadian Association for Leisure Studies (CALS) Board Member and Graduate Student Representative. Building on his experience with the CALS Student Advisory Committee, Cary looks forward to creating engaging opportunities for graduate students and continuing to promote leisure studies across Canada. Congratulations, Cary! 👏

Last week, some of our RLS faculty members and graduate students attended the Canadian Conference on Leisure Research (C...
05/27/2026

Last week, some of our RLS faculty members and graduate students attended the Canadian Conference on Leisure Research (CCLR) on Vancouver Island! From presenting research to connecting with others in the field, it’s been a great opportunity to share ideas, learn, and represent the RLS community.

We’re excited to see the conversations, collaborations, and experiences that continue to shape leisure research and the future of the field!

Please join us in congratulating Braiden on receiving the 2026 Highest Academic Achievement Award in RLS🎉🎉Braiden’s hard...
05/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating Braiden on receiving the 2026 Highest Academic Achievement Award in RLS🎉🎉

Braiden’s hard work, dedication, and contributions throughout their time in Recreation and Leisure Studies have made a lasting impact on our community. We’re proud to celebrate this incredible achievement and wish him all the best in his next chapter!

05/20/2026

Course Highlight: REC 472 – The Art & Science of Coaching

Want to lead, inspire, and make an impact in sport?

This fall, Brendan Riggin breaks it down in REC 472, blending science, strategy, and real‑world coaching skills.

🎥 Follow along as he shares 5 fun facts about the course!
Whether you’re aiming to coach, work in sport, or sharpen your leadership skills, this is a class that gives you tools you’ll actually use—on and off the field.

The study abroad course wrapped up its final days with an incredible behind the scenes tour at Wimbledon, learning how o...
05/20/2026

The study abroad course wrapped up its final days with an incredible behind the scenes tour at Wimbledon, learning how one of the world’s most recognizable sporting events continues to build and sustain a global brand. The students also explored the business of football with a visit to Chelsea F.C., gaining insight into operations, fan engagement, sport economics, and the global reach of professional sport. This wraps up an unforgettable 8 days of learning about international sport business! ⚽🎾🌍

The study abroad course has been busy visiting Loughborough University, Fulham FC, Thames River Rowing Club, and men’s a...
05/19/2026

The study abroad course has been busy visiting Loughborough University, Fulham FC, Thames River Rowing Club, and men’s and women’s professional soccer games. Students have been learning about many aspects of sport business including governance, fan engagement, sustainability, event management, athlete development, and the role of sport in local communities. An incredible few days of learning and experiencing the global sport industry firsthand! ⚽🏟️🚣

When did hobbies stop being about joy and start feeling like work? 🤔In a culture that’s always pushing us to monetize wh...
05/18/2026

When did hobbies stop being about joy and start feeling like work? 🤔

In a culture that’s always pushing us to monetize what we enjoy, it’s worth asking: who benefits when joy becomes work?

Assistant Professor Aly Bailey explores this in her piece, “How to protect your hobbies in a culture that wants to exploit them.” Drawing from personal experience, she reminds us that hobbies are meant for joy, not productivity—and that rest itself can be an act of resistance.

“Whatever form it takes, protecting your joy matters in a culture that wants to exploit it.” ✨

Feature Friday: Meet Jullian Henry! Jullian is a 2nd‑year Therapeutic Recreation student who stays busy both on and off ...
05/15/2026

Feature Friday: Meet Jullian Henry!

Jullian is a 2nd‑year Therapeutic Recreation student who stays busy both on and off campus. He works part‑time as a Learn‑to‑Skate instructor here at the University and is actively involved in intramural hockey and soccer—with plans to try even more sports in the future! 🏒⚽

So, what does Jullian love most about RLS? The amazing people and the meaningful relationships he’s built, along with the strong support systems that help students thrive throughout their degree.

Jullian has especially enjoyed the hands‑on learning opportunities in the program, including experiences like the REC 120 retreat, first aid workshops, and the e‑sports gaming lab. These opportunities helped him discover parts of the RLS community he didn’t even know existed!

Looking ahead, Jullian hopes to pursue a career in therapy, such as Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy. He values how RLS keeps his future options open while helping him explore his interests.

🌱 Fun fact: Jullian can probably quote The Lorax from start to finish!

RLS students are off and away on a study abroad course in London this week🇬🇧🇬🇧Days 1 and 2 have been full with adventure...
05/14/2026

RLS students are off and away on a study abroad course in London this week🇬🇧🇬🇧
Days 1 and 2 have been full with adventures and learning, and behind the scenes tours of Lord’s cricket grounds, London Stadium (home of West Ham Football Club), London Olympic park, as well as a guided historical walking tour of parliament and downtown London!!

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