Essex Rebels entertain with 'incredible' Community Day

Families, children, and sports fans of all ages enjoyed a sun-soaked basketball celebration at the University of Essex.

The Essex Rebels hosted their first-ever community day on Saturday with popular fun-packed activities.

Face painting, a market and kids sport taster sessions saw youngsters enjoy rock climbing, basketball, tennis and volleyball.

They also made the most of face painting, poster making, bracelet making, and a market showcasing small local businesses.

Diana Voynova, Essex Rebels Manager, said: "Community Day was amazing and a true celebration of what the Rebels are all about—bringing people together through sport, energy, and shared experiences.

“It was incredible to see so many fans, as well as community members who had never been to a Rebels gameday before, come out to enjoy the festivities, the sunshine and everything the day had to offer.

“It’s always special to see the community come out and support the women’s team.

“They truly played their hearts out, and the energy from the crowd was a huge boost—especially in such a nail-biter of a game.

"That support really made the difference in getting the win.”

After the daytime fun, attention turned to the court where the Essex Rebels faced the Caledonia Gladiators in a nail-biting showdown

The exciting clash saw the Rebels triumph in a 93-91 game that went right to the wire.

The win against the fifth-place side saw the Rebels shore up their position ahead of the play-offs.

It puts the Rebels in touching distance of a finals spot with all to play for in the last three games of the regular season.#

Ash Cookson, Head of Performance Basketball, said: "We're very happy for the win against a tough opponent.

"We always knew we had the potential and talent needed to beat the upper half of the league and we will be looking to build on this momentum moving into playoffs."

Saturday’s event capped off a season of special-themed games that brought in record-breaking crowds.

Thousands of tickets were sold to watch the action in the Essex Sport Arena and fans enjoyed special Christmas and Black History showpieces.

“I just want to thank everyone who made the effort to come to these special games and helped make them so memorable," added Andrea Kohlhaas, Rebels Marketing Officer who captained the side in her playing days.

“The fans and the Colchester community is what makes our gamedays so special and I know from first-hand experience how much everyone’s support means to the players.

“We can’t do it without you and seeing all the children and families getting behind the teams makes all the difference to the Rebels.”

It’s been a landmark year for sport at Essex, with milestones across basketball, volleyball, and the British Universities & Colleges Sport tournament.

Among the achievements were the men’s basketball side playing in the inaugural SLB Cup, women’s players representing Great Britain and the launch of an exciting new partnership with Essex Cricket.

The volleyball teams also secured silver medals, the men won the league, and players represented their countries.

The student Blades sides also won a record three titles in the British Universities & Colleges Sport tournament after Essex shot into the top 30 sporting universities in the UK for the first time.

Pictures by Sanne Hoffman and Ainsley Wilkins