Schools and Community

Since 2005, we have significantly developed our community and schools offering with the expansion of CHUMS, our popular holiday camp, and the continually evolving Essex Sport Junior programme, which engages over 500 children through after-school and weekend clubs.

We are now bringing Essex Sport to the community with opportunities to visit your school or establishment!

School Affiliation Scheme

Working closely with our partners and national governing bodies, we provide a cohesive, educational approach to sport, health, and professional development across three focus sports: basketball, tennis, and climbing; drawing on the University's combined resources and knowledge.

What we offer

• affordable, fun, and inclusive out-of-school-hours clubs and coaching sessions for KS1 and KS2 across tennis, basketball and climbing
• campus visits - opportunities to visit the University of Essex sport facilities for one-off festivals, central leagues, and competitions
• qualified, DBS-checked staff who have undergone safeguarding training
• complimentary tickets and discounts for out-of-school club and session attendees, as well as school staff, to see our WBBL professional team, Essex Rebels
• professional player appearances (subject to availability) to your school to inspire the next generation of sport stars

School fetes and assembly visits

Assembly visits

Our Sports Development team is always keen to visit schools to encourage and inspire children of all the fun ways to have an active and healthy lifestyle.

During these visits, many children recognise our coaches from CHUMS, or other Essex Sport Junior programmes, which helps us to build our growing reputation of making sport fun and accessible for all.

School fetes

We would be delighted to be part of your annual, end-of-term, sports day or fete, and would be happy to offer prizes and discounts to encourage children to remain active during the holidays.

Rebels Roadshow

The Sports Development team and Essex Rebels players have been out to local schools in the community delivering our Rebels Roadshow. The Rebels Roadshow is a great opportunity for children in the Colchester community to learn about the Essex Rebels, the life of a professional athlete and basketball happening in the area. The children get the chance to have a go of playing basketball alongside our professional players with support from our qualified coaches. All the children are also given a free ticket to attend an Essex Rebels game at the University of Essex Sports Arena!

This initiative gives children in our community an opportunity to meet professional athletes, who provide an inspiring, engaging, and fun experience to them. We focus on inclusivity and positive participation, encouraging all children to try their best and work together.

The Rebels Roadshow is available, for free, to all schools in and around Colchester and the wider Essex area. For more information, contact Claire Paxton our Sport Development Coordinator and member of the Essex Rebels WBBL team at claire.paxton@essex.ac.uk.

How to get involved

If you would like to speak to someone about how you can get involved with our schools and community outreach programme, please contact the Sports Development team on 01206 873157 or email sportsdevelopment@essex.ac.uk

Safeguarding policies

• University of Essex Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Policy
• Children, Young People and Adults at Risk Guidance