Basketball fun and health learning for school pupils in Northumberland and North Tyneside
Hundreds of children across Northumberland and North Tyneside have benefited from the Hoops 4 Health programme this year.
Newcastle Eagles players and trained community coaches come along into schools to combine basketball coaching with some engaging health and well-being education.
Funded through Bright Charity’s commitment to supporting local communities, the programme also develops wider well-being initiatives across the North East.
This year, the partnership was expanded to include dental hygiene education – helping children and families learn more about looking after their oral health.
As part of the programme, schools took part in interactive educational roadshows delivered in collaboration with NHS stakeholders.
It culminated in tournaments at the Vertu Motors Arena, where pupils had the opportunity to play under professional lights in front of thousands of spectators.
A total of 224 young people competed in the Northumberland and North Tyneside Hoops 4 Health tournaments, with the top teams progressing to the finals during Newcastle Eagles home games.
The Northumberland results were as follows. 1st: Ovingham Middle School, 2nd: Dr Thomlinson Church of England Middle School in Rothbury, 3rd: Another Ovingham Middle School team and Cambois Primary School.
The North Tyneside results were as follows. 1st: St Mary’s Primary School, 2nd: Marden Bridge Middle School, 3rd: Cullercoats Primary School and Wellfield Middle School.
Rob Graham, head of Bright Charity, said: “Supporting initiatives like Hoops 4 Health is a huge part of Northumbria Healthcare’s strategy, aiming to prevent health issues and hospital admissions in the future.
“Keeping young people engaged in their physical and mental health will have long-term benefits – helping them develop healthy habits, build confidence and make positive lifestyle choices from an early age.”