Basketball has been central to helping more than 1,100 young people across Newcastle learn about health, wellbeing and teamwork through an expanded programme supported by Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
Hoops4Health, which has been running for around 25 years, is a major initiative run by Newcastle Eagles and the Eagles Community Foundation and includes a range of sessions on physical activity, health education and teamwork.
With support from Newcastle Hospitals Charity, funding has enabled the programme to expand to 20 schools in Newcastle.
All schools involved were offered a health themed session for their Year 5 pupils which featured players from Newcastle Eagles providing educational and interactive sessions to help learners engage.
In addition, four hours of basketball coaching was provided to the young people, and schools were invited to take part in a tournament at the Vertu Motors Arena, where the Eagles play their home games.
More than 220 youngsters played at the Newcastle Schools Tournament in April and four schools – Benton Dene, Gosforth Central Middle, St Albans RC, and Walkergate Primary – reached the final stages.
Representatives from Newcastle Hospitals Charity and Fudge, The Great North Children’s Hospital mascot, presented pupils from Gosforth Central Middle School with their winners medals.
The programme highlights the positive working partnership between Newcastle Hospitals Charity, Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation, and local schools.
Emma McQuitty, campaign officer at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “It’s been rewarding to see the impact Hoops4Health has had on so many young people across Newcastle.
“Our funding has helped more children in the city access engaging sessions focused on physical activity, wellbeing and teamwork.
“The enthusiasm shown by pupils throughout the programme has been fantastic and highlights the value of investing in opportunities that help young people lead healthier lives.”
Sam Blake, CEO of Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation, has expressed her gratitude for Newcastle Hospitals Charity backing the expansion of the programme.
She said: “As organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people across our region, this partnership demonstrates the impact charities can achieve when working together towards a shared goal.
“Their funding enabled Eagles Community Foundation to expand the programme, reaching more than 1,100 pupils across 20 Newcastle schools.
“Through Newcastle Hospitals Charity’s support, even more young people have been given the opportunity to be active, develop positive lifestyle habits and improve their health and wellbeing, creating lasting benefits for communities across the North East.”
Feedback received from the schools involved demonstrates the impact of the programme:
Gosforth Central Middle said: “It’s an excellent education experience from athletes they look up to. With the tournament, win, lose or draw they have fun and love it, plus get to play on a professional court.”
Central Walker Primary said: “The players were fantastic. They were really inclusive and involved all of our children. They were amazing with them. The children loved playing basketball with the players. The workshops were interesting and relevant to the children. It was well organised and the children got a lot out of the sessions.”
