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
Rebels Christmas Special
It’s time for the annual Essex Rebels Christmas Special! Celebrate the holidays with us at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday, 21 December, for a festive basketball tripleheader and our final home games of 2024!
The action starts at 1.00pm with the D2 Essex Rebels taking on the London Elite. Then at 4.00 pm, the SLB Essex Rebels will face the London Lions, before the day wraps up with the D1 Essex Rebels going head-to-head with the Loughborough Riders at 6.30 pm.
We’ve got a full day of festive fun planned! Enjoy Christmas songs, join in on the Ugly Christmas Jumper Competition with prizes to be won, and treat yourself to some seasonal favourites like mince pies and mulled wine, plus we’ll have our Mistletoe Cam and more!
So come down, support the Rebels, and let’s celebrate the holiday season together as we wrap up 2024 in style. We look forward to seeing you there!
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!
