Courtside Energy: International Women’s Day in Full Swing!

10 Mar

What an unforgettable day it’s been for Agents of Change as we joined the Essex Rebels for their special International Women’s Day basketball and volleyball matches! The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing from the moment we arrived, and it didn’t take long before we started spotting familiar faces — it felt like Agents of Change had taken over the arena!

International Women’s Day is all about celebrating strength, determination, equality and the power of women and girls everywhere. Being surrounded by athletes who train hard, compete with confidence and play with passion was such a powerful reminder of what it means to believe in yourself and go after your goals. The Essex Rebels players were incredible role models, showing that women’s sport is exciting, inspiring and deserves to be celebrated loudly.

The basketball match was one of the most intense games we’ve ever watched. It was fast, fierce, and unbelievably close right up until the final moments. The cheering, the energy, the edge-of-your-seat tension — it was impossible not to get swept up in it all. Everyone was shouting, clapping and holding their breath as the score stayed tight. Moments like that remind us how powerful sport can be, bringing people together and showing what teamwork and determination really look like.

One of the best parts of the day was seeing so many Agents of Change children getting involved. In between the basketball and volleyball match sets, it was brilliant to watch them taking part in the games and activities on the court. They were smiling, laughing, running, cheering each other on, and stepping forward with confidence. That’s what Agents of Change is all about — giving children opportunities to feel inspired, to try something new, and to see what they are capable of.

Days like this are important because they show children that they belong in these spaces. They belong in sport. They belong in leadership. They belong in big dreams. International Women’s Day reminds us that every girl should feel empowered to take up space, to aim high, and to know that their voice and their talent matter. And it also reminds every child — boys and girls — that supporting equality and celebrating achievements is something we all play a part in.

We left the arena feeling inspired, energised, and full of excitement. It wasn’t just a day out — it was a day filled with role models, community spirit, confidence-building and celebration.

A huge thank you to the Essex Rebels for such an epic International Women’s Day event. And to all the Agents of Change children and families we saw there… we hope you had as much fun as we did. What an AWESOME day!