Member Article

MBNA backs Cheshire Phoenix’s ‘Hoops 4 Health’ programme

A Cheshire Phoenix Basketball Club project that uses basketball to encourage schoolchildren to lead healthier lifestyles has received the backing of Chester-based MBNA.

The ‘Hoops 4 Health’ programme, delivered in primary schools across the North West and North Wales by some of the club’s star players, aims to encourage children to stay physically fit, eat a balanced diet and raise awareness of the health risks associated with smoking.

Children are also introduced to the game of basketball through practical sessions, led by Cheshire Phoenix coaches and players, which focus on dribbling, shooting and passing skills.

MBNA’s backing allow the programmes to be delivered to an additional 18 schools across the North West and Wales this academic year, helping to reach more than 1,000 young people between the ages of nine and eleven.

Ian O’Doherty, Chief Executive at MBNA, said: “We’re proud to be able to support the efforts of the team at Cheshire Phoenix. The Hoops 4 Health programme is a fantastic example of how sport can be used to encourage young people to make the right lifestyle choices, both now and in adulthood.”

Schools taking part in Hoops for Health also have the opportunity to play in a regional tournament at Northgate Arena, with the winning school progressing to a national competition where they will represent the region and compete against other schools that have taken part in the scheme.

Andrew Donaldson, Chairman of Cheshire Phoenix, said: “We’re over the moon that MBNA has decided to support the Hoops 4 Health programme and this support will allow us to reach more children than ever before. It’s a national scheme that we started delivering last year and managed to reach 24 different schools, but this season we’re aiming to more than double that and are planning to take it to 4,000 children across 60 schools.

“Children love meeting the Cheshire Phoenix players and they really listen to the advice they give them on how to lead a healthier lifestyle. They also get a free match ticket and the chance to play competitively and we hope this will help encourage more young people to take up basketball in the future.”

In addition to backing Hoops 4 Health, the MBNA brand will also appear on the back of the Cheshire Phoenix home and away jerseys this season, as well as courtside boards at Northgate Arena.

To find out more about the programme or how to get involved, email mike.devitt@cheshirephoenix.com with the name of your school, a contact name and a telephone number.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Elle Brunton .