Essex Rebels and police to inspire youngsters this summer

Young budding ballers will learn basketball secrets from professional players in a series of free community events this summer.

The Essex Rebels have teamed up with Essex Police for the inspirational Ballin’ with a Bobby scheme which will take place across Colchester, Stanway, Mersea, Rowhedge and Wivenhoe.

Primary and secondary school kids can take part in separate sessions once a week and offer opportunities for youngsters to sharpen their skills, have fun with friends, and interact positively with local police officers — all in a safe, inclusive environment.

This year marks the fifth summer the University of Essex project has been running, with more than 550 young people passing through.

It all culminates in the Ballin’ with a Bobby Summer Tournament on Saturday, on August 10, in the Essex Sport Arena, on the Colchester Campus.

Up to 120 children will compete in a celebration of teamwork, talent and fun – and will also take home a free basketball.

Olivia Partridge, Sports Development Coordinator, said: "We are so excited to bring basketball into the community for a fifth year in a row with Ballin' with a Bobby.

"Our elite professional players can't wait to get out onto the courts to share their love of the game and help youngsters enjoy their summer holidays and meet their local police officers.

"It will finish with another exciting inclusive tournament with all the kids who attend set to get a free basketball to help them continue playing and developing their skills.

"If it's your first time or your kids been coming to Ballin' with a Bobby for a few years we can't wait to meet them this summer."

Tipping off on next Tuesday, these weekly sessions run from 4:30pm–5:30pm for primary school children, and 5:30pm–6:30pm for secondary school children.

The project was first launched by PC Dex Adams of the Colchester Community Policing Team and has been funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.