Sport for all at Essex

The Essex Blades is the shared name for all of the SU Sports Clubs on campus. With 44 clubs and over 4,500 members there's bound to be a club you'll enjoy!

There really is something for everyone, from clubs you're used to playing at school like Netball, Rugby or Football, to ones you perhaps haven't given a go before like Ultimate Frisbee, Fencing or Boxing.

Our clubs train together throughout the year, with many competing in local or national competitions. The SU offer a variety of social events for Blades members through the year too! From Derby Day to Alumni Weekend to Sports awards, there's always a chance to celebrate your club's success.

The £12 million Essex Sport Arena is a multi-purpose space, used for sporting events, exhibitions, dance events and more. At the Arena we have an array of different types of events to interest everyone. including basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton and futsal; with seating for up to 1,655 spectators, there's always something on for you to see and do!

Essex Rebels Women’s team are BUCS Nationals Champions for 2022.

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 name of the Essex Rebels reflects the history of both the University of Essex and the city 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.

Both our Men and Women's teams are comprised of inspirational role models, our players are drawn from across the World, as well as young players from the Basketball England talent pathway.

Learn more about the Essex Rebels teams. 

Take your exercise into the fresh air in our 40 acres of outdoor sport area, including an all-weather tennis court, 18-hole disc golf course, three jogging routes, two rugby pitches, seven football pitches, two cricket squares, four tennis courts, a netball court and an artificial pitch for hockey. If you are looking to take a leisurely stroll, you can just enjoy the 200 acres of scenic parkland around campus (it's even won the Green Flag Award!).

If competitive sport isn't your thing, Essex offers the excellent Just Play scheme. Just Play focuses on engaging students from all abilities and backgrounds, with a non-competitive and low commitment sport.

They plan a minimum of two large scale events per term such as gaming days or the Holi Festival. You can always keep up to date with the latest information by searching Just Play on social media. 

Check out some of the action in the video of our Nerf gun wars, hosted on campus by our Student Union's Just Play scheme.