Community
We aim to enhance lives by making a positive impact on the wider community. Our community-focused activities engage children and young people and inspire them to achieve their full potential in sport and in life.
What makes Essex Rebels special?
We aim to inspire children and young people to achieve their full potential, by offering a full pathway, linking sporting achievement and academic attainment. Each child’s journey has to start somewhere with a first bounce of the ball, and Essex Rebels offer a range of engagement activities that present that first opportunity to take a step on that pathway.
Basketball is the second most popular participation team sport among young people according to Sport England data, partly due to high levels of ‘street cred’ that has the sport has, and is an excellent vehicle for engaging with children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.
Rebels Roadshow.
The Rebels Roadshow sees the Essex Rebels players visiting primary and secondary schools across Colchester and Tendring. Acting as role models for the children in these schools, the players deliver engaging and interactive school assembly talks, and deliver fun and exciting basketball taster sessions.
Contact our Sports Development Coordinator (community and schools), Olivia Partridge, for more information or to book a visit to your school: [email protected]
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Essex Rebels Reach.
Essex Rebels Reach links basketball engagement activities in secondary schools with higher education experience visits. Targeted at schools in wards within Essex with historically low rates of progression to higher education, this programme engages young people with basketball and arranges visits on to the campus of the University of Essex, where they can experience for themselves what life at university is like. Participants also hear from basketball scholarship students about their journeys and progression to higher education.
To find out more about the Essex Rebels Reach programme contact our Sports Development Coordinator (community and schools), Olivia Partridge: [email protected]
Essex Rebels Play
Starting from as young as 5 years old, Rebels Play sessions provide an inclusive, fun and lively introduction to children who want to try out basketball. Children are engaged in games and activities that help develop fundamental movement skills, as well as build their love of basketball. Sessions take place at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday mornings. More details via the Essex Sport website.
Holiday camps.
Taking place during school holidays at the Essex Sport Arena, Essex Rebels holiday camps are for all aspiring basketball stars of the future.
Children learn the fundamentals of basketball, such as dribbling, shooting techniques and passing drills. Children also have the chance to meet our professional players as well as win prizes and tickets to Rebels matches.
Upcoming matches & events
Essex Rebels vs Bristol Flyers II
The Essex Rebels are back at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday, 31 January. The Men will take on the Bristol Flyers II, looking to get an important win to stay in play-off competition – this shapes up to be an exciting game in the British Championship Basketball.
Top- off is at 6:30pm with doors opening at 5:30pm
Get your tickets now & don’t miss out!
Love & Basketball Special | Essex Rebels vs Derby Trailblazers
Swap date night for game night at the Essex Sport Arena on Friday, 14 February, as the Essex Rebels Men take on the Derby Trailblazers in a Valentine’s-themed British Championship Basketball fixture.
Enjoy a lively gameday atmosphere with a special Love & Basketball twist, making it the perfect night out for couples, friends, and basketball fans alike.
What to Expect
- Valentine’s-themed game night experience
- Live DJ and MC throughout the evening
- Charity raffle in support of The Robin Cancer Trust
We’ve teamed up with The Robin Cancer Trust for a huge gameday raffle, featuring a range of exciting prizes — including a Prosecco and Pamper Day for two at Lifehouse Hotel & Spa and an overnight stay for two at Wivenhoe House Hotel.
All raffle proceeds will go directly to The Robin Cancer Trust, supporting their vital work in cancer awareness and prevention.
Don’t miss out on a gameday filled with love, basketball, and a great cause.
Get your tickets now.
Essex Rebels Doubleheader | Women vs Cardiff Met Archers & Men vs Milton Keynes Breakers
The Essex Rebels return to the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday, 28 February, for their first doubleheader in over a month.
The afternoon tips off with the Essex Rebels Women facing Cardiff Met Archers in the Super League Basketball Championship at 4 pm.The action continues into the evening as the Essex Rebels Men take on Milton Keynes, a fierce competitor currently sitting third in the British Championship Basketball, with tip-off at 6:30pm.
Two games. One ticket – Come out and support your Rebels at home!
Essex Rebels vs City of Birmingham Rockets
The second-to-last regular season home game is here. Join us at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday, 21 March 2026, as the Essex Rebels Men take on the City of Birmingham Rockets in a crucial British Championship Basketball clash at 6:30pm.
With the playoffs fast approaching and the race for the eight playoff spots tighter than ever, every game matters — and this matchup could be decisive in the Rebels’ postseason push.
Expect a competitive, high-intensity contest as the Rebels look to defend home court and strengthen their playoff position in front of the home crowd.
Don’t miss your chance to support the Rebels at home – Secure your tickets now!
Community news & insights
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!