#WeAreRebels
Our vision is to grow our Essex Rebels family to enhance lives and become the UK’s leading volleyball programme.
Upcoming matches & events
JERSEY NIGHT: Essex Rebels Women vs Oaklands Wolves & Essex Rebels Men vs Newcastle Knights
Rep your favourite Jersey at our JERSEY NIGHT!
Celebrate Jersey Night with an action-packed Essex Rebels basketball doubleheader. The Women’s team tip off against the Oaklands Wolves at 4:00 PM, followed by the Men’s match against the Newcastle Knights at 6:30 PM.
In addition to two exciting games, Jersey Night features:
- Rebels’ jersey giveaway for the best-dressed fan
- Performances from Ignite Cheer and more
- Crowd games and in-arena competitions
- Kids’ jersey-design contest, with the winning design receiving a Hoopin’N’Lootin jersey
- Special appearance from Hoopin’N’Lootin, with the chance to shop NBA jerseys
Join us for big games, big atmosphere, and big prizes—and don’t forget to wear your favourite jersey!
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!
Celebrate the season with the Essex Rebels at the Essex Sport Arena for a basketball doubleheader and festive fun on Saturday, 13th December!
- Women’s Game: Essex Rebels vs B. Braun Sheffield Hatters – 4:00pm
- Men’s Game: Essex Rebels vs Nottingham Hoods – 6.30pm
The day kicks off at 2:00pm with our Mini Christmas Market outside the arena:
- Mulled Wine & Hot Chocolate
- Festive BBQ, Hot Dogs & Snacks
- Live Carol Singers
- Festive Photo Van – Family & Group Pics
- Christmas Turkey Orders & Holiday Meal Bookings
- Concierge Service: Gifts for Every Budget
- Wivenhoe House Hotel Pop-Up & more
We’re also running a Toy Drive for the Colchester & Ipswich Hospital Charity. Bring a gift to help brighten the holidays for children and older patients or donate online via the Amazon Wishlist
A day of basketball, festive treats, live music, and giving back—perfect for families, friends, and fans of all ages. Don’t miss it!
Proud to be a Rebel.
Volleyball was the first performance sport introduced at the University of Essex, 9 years ago. Current Head Coach Alex Porter was recruited and has since built a program that has reached the pinnacle of the sport in the UK. Whilst winning their way up through the BUCS tiers into the BUCS Premier Division a partnership with Tendring Volleyball Club was initiated.
The partnership helped both the Men’s and Women’s teams win promotion from National League Division 2 South, into Division 1 and finally into the National Super League. The program has tasted national success five times, the men and women winning the Volleyball England National Student Cup four times between 2017 and 2019.
Then in 2019 the Men’s team competing as the Essex Blades were able to bring home the BUCS National Championship, the first time any Essex team from any sport has won a BUCS National Championship. In the same season, the Women’s team, competing as Tendring Volleyball Club, won the National Super League title. At the close of the 2021-22 season, the agreement between the club and the university was taken to the next level, as everyone joined together under the name Rebels, ready to change the sport in the UK.
Our Teams
Latest 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!