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! The Blades compete in BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) which, in short, is the most competitive league at university level.

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 Essex Rebels is a basketball and volleyball 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’.

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.

The Essex Rebels have also been awarded the 'Best Gameday Experience Award' from basketball's national governing body two years straight.

Learn more about the Essex Rebels teams. 

But of course The Blades and The Rebels would be nothing without the backing of the Essex community. The Tribe is the official University of Essex student section bringing student fans together to stand behind all representative sport teams at Essex. The Tribe are proudest, loudest and most inclusive supports club in the UK. You don't need to play to join The Tribe - it's free to join and open to all. Back your team, feel the vibe, join The Tribe.

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.