About
Based at the University of Essex, the Essex Rebels is a basketball end-to-end programme that encompasses a full pathway from senior professional teams through to the Rebels Roadshow schools outreach programme.
The Rebel way.
Home to the curious, brave and bold, at the University of Essex, where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.
Committed to excellence in everything we do, at the heart of our activities is supporting young people to achieve their full potential in their academic and sporting pursuits within our dual-career pathway.
What makes a Rebel.
The name of the Essex Rebels reflects the history of both the University of Essex and the town of Colchester in which the University resides. Students at the University have been known for their political activism throughout its history, reflected in the strapline of ‘Rebels with a Cause’ used today.
Colchester is also the site of the most celebrated act of rebellion in British history, when Queen Boudicca led the Celtic tribes of East Anglia to defeat the Romans.
Rebels on tour.
A wide range of children’s and schools activities are delivered within the Rebels programme. This includes the Rebels Roadshow, which visits primary and secondary schools in Colchester and Tendring, with players delivering school assemblies and P.E. sessions. The Rebels ‘Reach’ programme works with secondary schools across Essex, to engage students through basketball and help them to recognise higher education as a viable pathway for them. Younger children from age 5 and up can attend our Rebels ‘Slam Jam’ sessions taking place at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday mornings, as well as attend our popular basketball holiday camps.
Sports scholarships.
The University of Essex offers sports scholarships to talented basketball players studying for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A full support package encompassing daily on-court coaching, strength and conditioning coaching, lifestyle advice, sports science testing, and support and advice in areas such as psychology and nutrition.
The University of Essex is also a Sport England Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme centre, and is an accredited dual-career site, supporting young athletes in their academic and sporting development.
For more information please contact Susy Davies, Performance Sport Manager.
Email: [email protected]
Upcoming matches & events
DOUBLEHEADER: Essex Rebels Women vs Oaklands Wolves & Essex Rebels Men vs Bristol Hurricanes
🏀 Essex Rebels Basketball Double-Header at the Essex Sport Arena
Join us for an action-packed day of basketball as the Rebels Women take on last season’s league champions, the Oaklands Wolves, in the Betty Codona Trophy at 4:00pm.
Then stick around as the Rebels Men hit the court at 6:30pm for their first-ever British Championship Basketball home game, facing off against the Bristol Hurricanes.
Two huge games and a full evening of elite basketball and the award-winning Rebels gameday experience.
🎟 Secure your tickets now and be part of the atmosphere!
DOUBLEHEADER: Essex Rebels Women vs Caledonia Gladiators & Essex Rebels Men vs Reading Rockets
The Essex Rebels are back at the Essex Sport Arena for another epic night of basketball action!
At 4:00pm, the Rebels Women face off against the Caledonia Gladiators in what promises to be a high-energy showdown.
Then at 6:30pm, the Rebels Men take on the Reading Rockets, last season’s KitKing Trophy and National Cup champions, in a must-see British Championship Basketball clash.
Enjoy two top-level games, an award-winning gameday experience, and an atmosphere like no other — all under one roof.
🎟 Don’t miss it — secure your tickets now and get behind the Rebels!
BCB: Essex Rebels vs Loughborough Riders
British Championship Basketball action on a Sunday!
The Essex Rebels Men are back in action at the Essex Sport Arena as they go head-to-head with the Loughborough Riders in a thrilling British Championship Basketball showdown.
Get ready for high-energy basketball, big plays, and all the excitement of a Rebels gameday.
🎟 Tickets on sale now — don’t miss it!
BCB: Essex Rebels vs Worthing Thunder
British Championship Basketball action on a Sunday!
The Essex Rebels Men are back at #OurHouse to take on Worthing Thunder in what promises to be another action-packed British Championship Basketball clash.
Bring the energy, back your Rebels, and be part of the atmosphere at the Essex Sport Arena.
🎟 Tickets available now — secure your seats today!
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Essex Rebels Women vs B. Braun Sheffield Hatters & Essex Rebels Men vs Nottingham Hoods
Get into the Festive Spirit at the Rebels Christmas Special!
Get ready for some festive hoops fun as the Essex Rebels bring Christmas cheer to the Essex Sport Arena! The Rebels Women tip off at 4:00pm against the B. Braun Sheffield Hatters in an SLB clash, before the Rebels Men face the Nottingham Hoods at 6:30pm in BCB action.
We’re inviting all fans to show up in their ugliest Christmas jumpers — the louder, the better! Plus, don’t miss your chance to enter our Ugly Christmas Jumper Competition during the game for festive prizes!
Celebrate the season with high-energy basketball, holiday vibes, and plenty of Rebels spirit & Don’t miss out on the last home game of 2025!
🎟 Tickets are on sale now — join us for a Rebels Christmas you won’t forget!
Don’t miss our next big game
Come and see fast-paced, action-packed, top-level professional basketball in a first-class venue. Match days offer family-friendly entertainment including a DJ, big screen, cheerleaders, interactive competitions, children’s activities, refreshments, and our larger-than-life mascot, Queen B.
We Are Rebels – come join the rebellion!