Legends of Welsh Sport: Rhondda Rebels 

Original version

BBC One

BBC One Wales

BBC One is a TV channel that started broadcasting on the 20th April 1964. It replaced BBC Television.

BBC 1

BBC1

Wales

Legends of Welsh Sport

Documentaries

Factual

Sport

A look back at some of the greatest and most inspiring stories in Welsh sport.

Some of the greatest and most inspiring stories in Welsh sport – from the underdogs who defied the odds to the game changers who changed their sports and their country.

Looking back on some of the greatest and most inspiring stories in Welsh sport – from the underdogs who defied the odds to the game changers who changed their sports and their country.

Rhondda Rebels

Simulcast of BBC One Wales in high definition. From 29/01/2013

BBC One Wales HD

Legends of Welsh Sport: Series 3: Rhondda Rebels

Series 3

BBC One - Legends of Welsh Sport, Series 3, Rhondda Rebels

A community team became the best in British basketball before vanishing at their height.

The story of the Rhondda Rebels, a community team that became the best in British basketball. The programme celebrates a success story that has never been recognised.

In the 1980s, basketball-mad husband and wife from the Rhondda, Angela and Steve Williams, became involved with a grassroots women's basketball team. Both working as teachers by day, Angela started playing for the team and Steve became their coach. Using their experience in teaching, they slowly began to implement structured training sessions and bring in more experienced players. 

By the late 90s, the Rhondda Rebels, as they were now called, started to make waves. Soon they weren't just doing well in the Welsh league, but seeing success in the English women's league too. Their big moment would come in 2001, where the team dethroned the heavyweights of British women's basketball, the Sheffield Hatters, winning the British league. This was the catalyst for the next seven years that followed. The team would win every title there was to win, becoming one of the most dominant teams in Britain. 

As well as trophies, success brought change for the Rebels. Attracting new overseas players, sponsorship from huge brands and media interest, they were regular guests to the Welsh SPOTY awards, winning Team of the Year in 2001 after bringing home a triple title season. But as the team continued to grow, Angela and Steve found themselves looking towards something that was closer to their hearts. They decided to leave the Rebels and return to grassroots basketball to spend more time with their family. 

The team tried to continue, but without Angela and Steve at the helm, the Rebels would disband, with no one to replace them. This powerful documentary brings to life the fascinating story of a community team that became the best in British basketball, putting a spotlight on their unmatched achievements while celebrating a success story that has never been recognised. 


Accessibility links

Programme Index

Legends of Welsh Sport

Series 3

Rhondda Rebels

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC One Wales

About BBC One