Sporting girls inspired by pro players at beach fun day

Girls from schools across Essex served aces, hit balls for six, and caught some rays at a special beach fun day.

The event was organised by Essex Cricket and was the first time the Essex Rebels women’s team were invited to join.

Essex Cricket and the Rebels team led sessions on Clacton-on-Sea beach promoting physical activity and sport in a fun, supportive environment.

Schoolchildren took part in beach volleyball and cricket games whilst the youngsters had the opportunity to learn from elite players.

This is the third time the Essex School Beach Fest has run to inspire Tendring youngsters into cricket.

The girls were all aged 11-14 and from Colchester County High School for Girls, St Benedict’s Catholic College, Clacton Coastal Academy, Clacton County High School, Colne Community School and Tendring Technology College.

A Rebels spokesperson said: “This was a great day working with Essex cricket to promote sport to young girls.

“We are so excited by this partnership, and events like this hopefully inspire the next generation of Essex talent to pick up a ball and bat.

“Sport offers so much to young women, and we are proud to help everyone chase their dreams'"

A sentiment echoed by Essex Cricket, which this year launched an exciting partnership with the Essex Rebels – with the teams working together to develop a professional team and develop women’s sport across the region.

“It was such a fun event! It was so great to engage with a new school, and see everyone having a fantastic time in the sunshine,” said Liv Gravatt, Essex Cricket Female Participation Officer

The event marked the culmination of a week of outreach for the University of Essex’s professional basketball and volleyball teams, where they inspired hundreds of children at primary and secondary schools within the community.

It kicked off with a visit to Queen Boudica Primary School, where the Rebels delivered basketball sessions to more than 240 Key Stage 2 pupils as part of the school’s Sports Week.

After that, players volunteered at a primary school sports festival held at the Essex Sport Arena and then on Tuesday, the team and coaches volunteered at a primary school sports festival held at the Essex Sport Arena.

Later that day, the Rebels led the “Ballin’ with a Bobby” session in Rowhedge.

In collaboration with Essex Police, this initiative is focused on promoting positive role models and offering young people a safe and engaging way to stay active in their community.

The Rebels also collaborated with the University outreach team to run a basketball session and a Q&A with players for young people who may face barriers to progressing into higher education.

These sessions provided not just sporting engagement but also powerful role modelling and encouragement, highlighting pathways into sport and education.

All pictures by Sanne Hoffman