New academy offers greater opportunities for young basketball players

A new basketball academy in Colchester will provide youth players with top quality coaching, development opportunities and a pathway to success as they continue their post-16 further education.

The Essex Rebels Basketball Academy is the result of a new partnership between the Essex Rebels Junior Basketball Club (ERJBC) and Colchester Institute. It will offer 40 players academy training and elite competition alongside their post-16 further education studies delivered at Colchester Institute from September 2026.

Trials for the 20 places each on the men’s and women’s academy squads take place on 22nd February, 5pm and 8pm, at the ERJBC home venue, Essex Sport Arena at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus.

The academy adds a new dimension to the work of ERJBC, which provides community and competitive basketball to children and young people between ten and 18.

Academy teams will train twice a week, have free access to Colchester Institute’s fitness suite, and compete in the Association of Colleges basketball league, with the aim of gaining promotion to the College Basketball League (men only) and Elite Academy Basketball Leagues.

Jordan Ashley, who currently coaches the ERJBC Under 18’s women’s Junior National Basketball League (NBL) side, will be Head Coach, training both the women’s and men’s teams. He previously played in the undefeated and promoted 2023-24 D3 Essex Rebels senior men’s team at the University of Essex, where he won Player of the Year, before competing in the Rebels top tier D1 team from 2024-25. He said:

“This is a really exciting development, not only for the players in our junior club who want to progress as student athletes, but also for players across our region as it opens new doors to access top quality coaching and compete at a national level. After starting my basketball career as a junior player, I progressed through an academy programme. That helped me secure a place at the University of Essex and on the Essex Rebels team where I played in front of record-breaking crowds at the Essex Sport Arena. It’s very exciting to be able to offer our young players the potential of a similar journey.”

Anjuli Symonds, ERJBC Director, added:

Basketball is one of the UK’s most popular sports and it’s growing, not only in our region but across the country. We have more than 100 young people playing in our Junior NBL teams plus a further 150 taking part in our community sessions and Central Venue League competitions. Our partnership with Colchester Institute ensures they have the right options for their sporting futures.”

Academy players will be able to enrol on a range of Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas offered at Colchester Institute including a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development.

Successful completion of the Academy programme can support progression to higher education, including applications to courses at the University of Essex, subject to meeting published academic entry requirements and standard admissions processes.

Justin Powles, Head of Public Services and Sport at Colchester Institute, said:

“This new partnership, with a basketball club that provides a full pathway, from under 12s to under 18s, for both boys and girls is very exciting. We have been offering vocational sports programmes at Colchester Institute for over 20 years and joining forces with Essex Rebels Junior Basketball Club cements our reputation as the place to study if you want a career in performance sport.”

Academy trials take place between 5pm and 8pm on 22nd February at the Essex Sport Arena, University of Essex, Colchester Campus.