Essex Rebels Inspire Hundreds Through a Week of Community Sport
Monday: Basketball at Queen Boudica Primary School
The week kicked off with a visit to Queen Boudica Primary School, where the Essex Rebels delivered basketball sessions to more than 240 Key Stage 2 pupils as part of the school’s Sports Week. The sessions not only introduced students to the fundamentals of the game but also emphasized teamwork, confidence, and fun.
Tuesday: School Sports Festival & Ballin’ with a Bobby
Following that, on Tuesday, the team and coaches volunteered at a primary school sports festival held at the Essex Sport Arena. Rebels coaches and players delivered engaging volleyball and basketball sessions, giving pupils the chance to experience high-energy, inclusive activities in a professional sporting environment. Later that day, the Rebels led the “Ballin’ with a Bobby” session in Rowhedge. In collaboration with Essex Police, this initiative is focused on promoting positive role models and offering young people a safe and engaging way to stay active in their community.
Wednesday: Outreach with Purpose
The Rebels also collaborated with the university outreach team to run a basketball session and a Q&A with players for young people who may face barriers to progressing into higher education. These sessions provided not just sporting engagement but also powerful role modelling and encouragement, highlighting pathways into sport and education.
Thursday: Girls Only School Beach Day
The outreach week culminated in the Essex School Beach Fest – the third time the event has run to inspire Tendring youngsters into cricket. Held on Clacton-on-Sea beach, the event was organised by Essex Cricket, and for the first time, the Essex Rebels women’s volleyball team were invited to take part.
Essex Cricket and the Rebels team led sessions promoting physical activity and sport in a fun, supportive environment. Schoolchildren took part in beach volleyball and cricket games, while also having the opportunity to learn from elite players.
The girls, aged 11-14, came from a range of Essex schools including Colchester County High School for Girls, St Benedict’s Catholic College, Clacton Coastal Academy, Clacton County High School, Colne Community School, and Tendring Technology College.
A Rebels spokesperson said:
“This was a great day working with Essex Cricket to promote sport to young girls. We are so excited by this partnership and events like this hopefully inspire the next generation of Essex talent to pick up a ball and bat. Sport offers so much to young women and we are proud to help everyone chase their dreams.”
That sentiment was echoed by Essex Cricket, which this year launched an exciting partnership with the Essex Rebels, with both teams working together to develop a professional team and grow women’s sport across the region.
Liv Gravatt, Essex Cricket Female Participation Officer, added:
“It was such a fun event! It was so great to engage with new schools, and see everyone having a fantastic time in the sunshine.”
