Ballin with a Bobby returns August 2026
Essex Rebels have teamed up with Essex Police for the sixth consecutive year to deliver the popular community initiative, Ballin’ with a Bobby, for young people aged between seven and 18.
Ballin’ with a Bobby was established six years ago by PC Dex Adams, from Colchester Neighbourhood Policing Team, in partnership with the Essex Rebels. Since then, it has grown into a well-established summer programme, bringing together neighbourhood police officers, Rebels players and coaches to engage with thousands of young people across the Colchester district.
Using basketball as a vehicle for engagement, Ballin’ with a Bobby helps build positive relationships between young people and the police while promoting healthy lifestyles, teamwork and respect. The sessions also provide a relaxed, informal environment where participants can talk openly with officers about issues affecting them, including community safety, crime and policing.
The initiative continues to demonstrate the value of sport in bringing communities together, creating positive role models and helping young people feel more connected to the people who help keep their communities safe.
Dex says:
At its heart, the sessions provide young people with a positive, enjoyable and free activity during the summer holidays while, at the same time, helping them to develop valuable life skills. They have the opportunity to meet and play with professional basketball players and to learn more about a range of important topics, including gangs, knife crime, hate crime, consent and anti-social behaviour.
For the police, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to strengthen our relationships with young people in an informal and positive setting by listening to them and understanding their concerns.
In the six years the programme has been running, we have seen many examples of young people being diverted away from crime and anti-social behaviour and, instead, developing a passion for sport and positive community involvement. That remains the core aim of Ballin’ with a Bobby and we are proud to continue delivering it alongside the Essex Rebels.”
Ballin’ with a Bobby sessions are free to attend and, on 4, 11 & 18 August, you can just turn up. To book for the Ballin with a Bobby Tournament on 22 August, click the link below.
DATES & TIMES
Tuesday 4 August: Lower Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1UD (As part of Colchester Youth Festival)
- 11am – 3pm: Ages 7-18
Tuesday 11 August: Multi-Use Games Area, Old Heath Recreation Ground, Colchester CO1 2ER
- 5:30pm – 6:30pm: Ages 7-11
- 6:30pm – 7:30pm: Ages 12-18
Tuesday 18 August: The basketball court, Martin Hunt Drive, Stanway CO3 8AY
- 5:30pm – 6:30pm: Ages 7-11
- 6:30pm – 7:30pm: Ages 12-18
Saturday 22 August: Essex Sport Arena, University of Essex CO4 3SQ
(registration required)
- 10am – 12pm: Ages 7-11
- 12pm – 3pm: Ages 12-18
