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Essex Rebels inspire girls on International Women's Day

  • Date

    Thu 13 Mar 25

A young girl playing basketball on IWD

Hundreds of girls, women, and families descended on the University of Essex for a special sporting celebration.

The crowd of cheering fans were there to enjoy International Women’s Day and support the Essex Rebels volleyball team on Saturday.  

A special Her World, Her Rules basketball clinic thrilled before tip-off with female professional basketball players passing on top tips to young girls.  

Essex Rebels were chosen as a lead partner to deliver FIBA’s women’s and girls’ basketball campaign, Her World, Her Rules (HWHR), on behalf of Basketball England and the British Basketball Federation (BBF). 

More than 50 budding ballers took part and learnt from the Essex Rebels stars - as well as running out with the teams and providing the half time entertainment. 

Building on the community spirit of the event Rebels ace Cameron Taylor-Willis helped coach along with girls from the U16 Junior NBL teams

Two girls chat on the court

Two girls chat on the court

The young girls who enjoyed the Rebels session

The young girls who enjoyed the Rebels session

A young girl learns from the Rebels

A young girl learns from the Rebels

Rebels aces Daniella Turner and Brooke Flowers on the court

Rebels aces Daniella Turner and Brooke Flowers on the court

Organiser Olivia Partridge runs a session

Organiser Olivia Partridge runs a session

Former Rebel and Sports Development Officer Olivia Partridge said: “It was an inspirational day, and I am so proud to help encourage the next generation of girls.  

“I just want to do all I can to create opportunities for young basketballers that I didn’t have when I was growing up.  

“It was really great to see so many girls out there and our players loved speaking to them and getting them involved in the gameday.” 

A special fan zone also entertained youngsters with stalls celebrating women, poster making, and a kid’s zone where youngsters could hone their on-court skills.

The Rebels jump for joy in a winning performance

The Rebels jump for joy in a winning performance

The volleyball team on the court

The volleyball team on the court

The Rebel yell

The Rebel yell

After the session, the Rebels took to the court with the D1 Men’s Basketball team facing the City of Birmingham Rockets for their penultimate home game of the season.

Sadly, they lost out by just two points in a close-run 84-86 loss.

However, the women’s volleyball side came up victorious and sunk Time Sideout 3-2.

Rebels captain Chelsea Simmons praised her rivals and thanked everyone involved in the International Women's Day celebrations. 

Ready for action - Chelsea Simmons
Sport has taught me lessons towards growing my confidence, work ethic, and dedication. It has brought me my best friends and role models to motivate me through life. I hope our games inspire young girls and boys and encourage them to find their passions!
Chelsea Simmons Rebels volleyball captain
All pictures by Sanne Hoffman

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