Essex Sport Junior

Junior Courses

Sunny day outside with Two kids smiling and hugging

Sport courses for 4 to 16 year olds

We offer a range of after-school and weekend introductory sport courses, specifically designed to help your child learn core skills and progress their abilities in their chosen sport.

Courses run for 6 to 13 weeks during each academic school term and are instructed by our qualified, DBS checked coaches.

We also offer drop-in sessions on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis; a great, flexible way to try out a new activity.

Book now

Essex Sport on social media:

All courses and Pay and Play sessions are held at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus and take advantage of the fantastic sport facilities available to us.

Junior courses

Climbing

Children will learn the basics of climbing and bouldering. These sessions will also promote safe practice within the climbing wall and nurture your children’s interest in climbing by providing a physical and mental challenge, encouraging them to reach new heights (literally!).

Dates:

Wednesday:

5.30pm - 7.00pm - Ages 12 - 15 years

Thursdays:

4.00pm - 5.00pm - Ages 8 - 11 years
5.30pm - 7.00pm - Ages 12 - 15 years

Fridays:

4.00pm - 5.00pm - Ages 8 - 11 years
5.30pm - 7.00pm - Ages 12 - 15 years

Saturdays:

9.30am - 11.00am - Ages 8 - 11 years
11.00am - 12.30pm - Ages 12 - 15 years

Prices:

£75 for 6 week course

If you’d like to come watch your children climb you are more than welcome to do so!

Please let our instructor know at reception when they come to pickup your child.

Children must be age 8 or above, children under age 8 will not be permitted to take part.

Basketball

Rebels Play offers fun, entry-level basketball sessions for children aged 5 to 14. Focused on learning the fundamentals of the game in an inclusive and supportive environment, these sessions are open to all abilities. They’re led by our very own Essex Rebels professional players—providing expert guidance and inspiring role models for the next generation.

Rebels Play is a ‘Pay and Play’ session – meaning there is no commitment to attend every week, you can simply book on and show up. Each session is £5 – we highly recommend you book prior to arrival as the sessions are extremely popular.

Rebels Play is at the Essex Sport Arena/ Sports Hall.

Mondays (During term time only):

5pm -6 pm (5–8-year-olds and 9–14-year-olds)

Saturdays:

9am - 10am (5-8-years-old and girls only session 9-15 years)
10 am – 11am (9–11-year-olds and 11–14-year-olds)

Tennis

Essex Sport are delighted to have partnered with North East Essex Tennis (Neet) Academy who will be running junior tennis sessions at the University of Essex.

These sessions will be from 15th September onwards. 6-week course fees = £40 for the term. 20% discount if use @essex.ac.uk email.

Dates:

Tuesdays:

4.00pm - 5.00pm: Ages 4 - 7 years & ages 8 - 9 years
5.00pm - 6.00pm: Ages 9 - 10 years & ages 10+ years

Saturdays:

9.00am - 10.am: ages 4 - 7 years
10.00 am - 11.00am: ages 8 - 9 year
11.00 am - 12.00pm: ages 10+

To find out more get in touch: neetacademyhq@gmail.com

How to Book

Head to the Neet Academy website to book your course.

Volleyball

We are excited to launch Sunday morning volleyball sessions for young players! Led by our very own Essex Rebels, these sessions focus on teaching volleyball skills including serving, passing, setting, attacking, and teamwork – all in a fun, supportive environment.

Junior Volleyball at the Essex Sport Arena/Sport Centre every Sunday.

£5 per child.
11-13 years
14-16 years
9.00am - 10.00

Book now!

How to book

If you are new to Essex Sport Junior, you will need to complete a children's registration form (.pdf) and return to reception by emailing screcept@essex.ac.uk. Once registration is complete, we can process your payment and book your place.
Essex Sport members can book and pay online using our 'Connect' booking system. View our video guide 'How to Book and Essex Sport Junior Session' for more details.
Parents can also telephone the Sports Centre reception on 01206 873250 and book and pay using a debit or credit card when we re-open.
Please make sure you and your child are familiar with our new Terms and Conditions (.pdf) and Code of Conduct (.pdf). By booking a course or Pay & Play session, you are agreeing to adhere to these.

Junior playing tennis outside

Junior hitting a volleyball into the area

Junior playing basketball indoors

Junior on the Climbing wall

Taster sessions

If space permits, taster sessions may be accommodated for a course. These must be pre-agreed by the Sports Development team.

To arrange a taster session, please email sportsdevelopment@essex.ac.uk.

Waiting list

Demand for places is high and some courses sell out quickly. If you would like to join the waiting list, please visit or contact the Sports Centre Reception on 01206 873250. You will be contacted if a space becomes available.