Essex REbels OUTREACH PROGRAmme
We are raising funds to launch our new Rebels Reach project – aspiring to make basketball accessible to schools in the local community by providing access to free resources.
Who are the Rebels?
The Essex Rebels, established in 2018, are the only professional men and women basketball teams in Essex. In the last 5 years, the men’s and women’s teams have grown from strength to strength. Both teams compete at the top level in the UK, and now provide a comprehensive pathway for players all the way from school-age to professional and even international level.
In the programme's short history, both the men and women, have seen great success within their respective competitions. During the current season (2023-24), the Rebels women made history by reaching the programme’s first major final, the Women’s British Basketball League Trophy Final while the men’s team reached the National Basketball League Cup semi-final and are currently in contention for the league title.
In addition to their on-court success, the Essex Rebels are committed to making a difference in their community. One of the programme’s main initiatives, the Rebels Roadshow, provides a great opportunity for children in the Colchester area to learn about the Essex Rebels and inspire the next generation. This initiative gives children in the local community an opportunity to meet professional athletes, who provide an inspiring, engaging, and fun experience to them. The Rebels Roadshow focuses on inclusivity and positive participation, encouraging all children to try their best and work together.
Testimonials
Mr Livesley from St Thomas More's Catholic Primary was thrilled with the Rebels’ visit, “Essex Rebels visited St Thomas More's to deliver a basketball taster session to Key Stage Two. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were thrilled to meet the players. It was a fantastic day, and it provided the children with a great opportunity to engage within the sport.”
the rebels reach programme
Our goal for the next academic year, is to launch the Rebels Reach Programme – equipping schools with the knowledge and resources to deliver accessible and free basketball sessions, aiming to reach out to under-represented groups in schools, specifically targeting disadvantaged young people.
Studies show that many young people are held back from getting involved in sport, or simply don’t have access to sporting opportunities in their community or school, thereby missing out on the significant benefits it can bring including increased educational capability, confidence, mental health, and feelings of self-worth.
Our goal is to invite schools from socio-economically deprived areas within our community to the Essex Sport Arena for a launch event. Pupils will be able to enjoy a session led by the Rebels men & women’s teams while teachers are provided with the skills and knowledge to continue deliver high quality sessions within their schools. All schools within the programme will be invited back to the Essex Sport Arena to participate in the Rebels Reach tournament. As part of the programme, the schools will be given a legacy pack consisting of basketballs, bibs, cones, and a 6 week coaching plan. Travel for all schools coming to the Arena will be covered by the funding raised.
Through this programme we hope to inspire children to get active and show them the opportunities basketball can provide.
Any funds raised over and above our target will go towards kit and equipment for our Essex Rebels Junior Basketball Club Girls' Teams.
Together we can make an impact where it matters the most. Help us reach our target and positively change our community!
Where can you find us?
Find us at - https://www.essexrebels.co.uk/basketball/community/
or our Essex Rebels socials:
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EssexRebels
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/EssexRebels
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/essexrebelsbasketball/
