Free basketball tournament to welcome summer holiday kids

Budding ballers can shoot hoops with professional players and local police officers at a free summer holiday tournament.

The popular Ballin’ with a Bobby tournament returns for its second year on SundAY August 10, promising another incredible day of fun, friendly competition, and basketball action.

Organised by the University of Essex’s professional team, the Essex Rebels, and Essex Police, and held on the Colchester Campus, the event welcomes children of all abilities, from first-timers to future stars.

Every child who takes part will receive a free basketball to help them practise at home.

The day is split into two sessions:

• 10am to 1pm for primary school children
• 1pm to 4pm for secondary school students

Revisit last year's tournament in the gallery below

In addition to exciting basketball games, kids will also take part in safety and awareness activities, helping them build skills on and off the court.

The tournament is the culmination of a summer of outreach in the community, where the Rebels and police play and meet with kids in Colchester and surrounding towns and villages.

Olivia Partridge, Sports Development Officer at the University of Essex, said: “This tournament promises to be another amazing day of sport, fun, and community interaction.
“We’re passionate about showing how sport can connect children, build confidence, and help them grow.

"Working with the police means we can really build connections in the community and help share important advice to young people in a fun way.

“Events like this showcase the best of sport. Seeing kids connect, develop, and feel a sense of belonging through sport is incredibly rewarding.”

For more information and to sign up follow this link.