Performance Sport

Basketball

Essex Rebel Students playing in a basketball match

Joining the University of Essex as one of our future basketball players, gives you a unique experience to join one of the leading basketball programmes in the UK.

The University is home to the Essex Rebels our professional basketball teams where the women compete in the Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL) and the Men compete in the Basketball England National Basketball League Division 1 and 3. Both our Men’s and Women’s team compete in the BUCS Premier League South, with our Women’s team winning the league titles for the last 5 years and most recently being crowned BUCS National Champions in March 2022. 

As a basketball player you'll also have use of our outstanding facilities such as the Essex Sport Arena, home of the Essex Rebels. Built to international sporting standards and the largest spectator arena in the East, it's home to our professional basketball teams as well as the Tendring Essex Superleague Volleyball teams. Playing in the arena is like no other, with the Essex Rebels game day being one of the most exciting game day experiences. Look out for Queen Boudica, our very own mascot and resident DJ Big Dog Ballin, who all add to our fantastic game day experience.

Alongside, a playing career we also have a range of different opportunities to help develop your professional career through placement opportunities including but not limited to Sports Therapy, Performance Analysis, Sport Science and game day support. 

Essex Rebels Basketball performance pathway

Our programme

As a member of the Essex Rebels Basketball performance pathway your have access to:

  • Performance Coaching
  • Strength and Conditioning Coaching
  • Performance Analysis
  • Use of the onsite Sports Therapy Clinic
  • Access to on-site accommodation
  • allocated lifestyle advisor
  • Comprehensive workshop programme
  • Complimentary Gym Membership
  • Timetabled individual/small group workouts

Scholarship fee discounts

Alongside performance coaching, recipients of the Performance Sport Scholarship programme also receive additional support services package benefits such as free kit, use of facilities and access to a range of support services worth up to of £1,500 per year (details outlined below). Our Performance Sport Scholarship programme has three different tiers:

Scholarship type; Award
Tier 1* Tuition fee discount up to 100%, performance coaching and support services package.
Tier 2 Cash bursary (of varying amounts), performance coaching and support services package (available for undergraduate students only).
Tier 3 Performance coaching and support services package.

*Some exceptional athletes in receipt of a tier 1 scholarship may also receive additional financial support.

Under tier 1 of the Performance Sport Scholarship programme, we award a number of tuition fee discounts to students on University of Essex undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses.

Basketball Fee discounts for students commencing their studies at Essex in 2024-25 are:

Number of awards Scholarship Award
Up to 8 PG awards for international students (full-time or part-time) Between 50-100% fee discount
Up to 12 UG or PG awards for UK students (full-time or part-time) Between 50-100% fee discount**

Apply for a scholarship in Basketball

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS)

The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) is a Sport England funded partnership between talented athletes, the University of Essex and national governing bodies of sport. We work together to bring the best out of our country’s most exciting young talent.

TASS helps athletes – aged 16-plus – to balance sport within the rest of their lives, be they in education, training or another form of personal development.

The TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme recognises an education institution’s commitment to dual career support for talented athletes who are in full time education. The Dual Career Accreditation Scheme acknowledges an enhanced level of academic flexibility and understanding within an institution, allowing talented athletes to balance their studies with a hectic sporting schedule.

Our accolades

Accolades include:

  • BUCS National Champions 2022
  • BUCS Premier League Winners 2018 – 2022
  • BUCS National Trophy Winners 2017
  • Basketball England National League Division 1 champions 2017
  • Basketball England National Cup Winners 2016
  • There are opportunities for Performance Analysis, coaching, officiating and several playing opportunities for men and women alike.

    Faciities

    As well as having access to our Essex Sport Arena and the Sports Therapy Clinic housed in the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences as a member of Essex Sport, you also have access to a full array of facilities and equipment to help you prepare off the court for that big game.

    Life in the Essex Rebels

    University of Essex All Star Exhibition Game 25th April 2022
    University of Essex All Star Exhibition Game 25th April 2022
    Essex Rebels Women v Nottingham Wild Cats 25th April 2022
    Essex Rebels Women v Nottingham Wild Cats 25th April 2022
    Rory Winter taking a shot during an Essex Rebels Men's Basketball game
    The University of Essex was an enjoyable journey for me, I feel I have been able to develop and grow under coach Ross Norfolk whilst achieving a first-class degree in BSc Economics. I’ve been fortunate that I have seen this program grow from the ground up – our success over the years from division 3 to division 1 in the National league became a driving force of mine, and have wanted to make sure I leave a lasting legacy here for the next generation of student athlete. The social side of Men’s basketball became a part of my university experience. And has allowed me to make friends and connection with people from all over the world that will last well beyond my time at University.
    Rory Winter Men’s 1st Team BUCS player and Economics student.
    Rugby player in black about to be tackled by two other players in green and gold tops
    Athlete Village

    Both returning students who have previously represented the University in BUCS competitions, and new students who can evidence their level of performance in school, county or national level competition are welcome to apply to live in the Athlete Village.

    Find out more about the Athlete Village

    For more information on our performance basketball programme please contact performancesport@essex.ac.uk, or for information on our professional teams please contact essexrebels@essex.ac.uk, alternatively please call 01206 87 3639/3016.