North Tyneside schools tip-off under the lights

A North Tyneside community sports initiative is helping young people embrace healthier lifestyles through a long-running schools programme and competitive basketball finals.

Eagles Community Foundation and Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity are marking 13 years of partnership through the Hoops 4 Health initiative, which delivers coaching and wellbeing sessions in primary schools.

The programme sees Newcastle Eagles' players and foundation staff visit schools across the region, culminating in a tournament held at the Vertu Arena, where pupils compete in front of more than 2500 fans.

This year’s finals took place ahead of a Super League Basketball fixture, with four schools – Cullercoats Primary School, St Mary’s Primary School, Marden Bridge Middle School and Wellfield Middle School – battling it out on court.

Following two closely fought semi-finals, St Mary’s Primary School and Marden Bridge Middle School progressed to the final, where St Mary’s secured a 6-4 victory.

All participating teams were awarded medals, with St Mary’s crowned North Tyneside champions and progressing to a Champion of Champions event later this year.

Rob Graham, head of Bright Charity, said: “We’re passionate about investing in initiatives that make a real difference in our communities.

“This programme doesn’t just encourage children to be active – it gives them confidence, teamwork skills, and a strong foundation for leading healthy, balanced lives.

“We’re incredibly proud to support Hoops 4 Health and to celebrate the achievements of the young people who take part.”

Sam Blake, chief executive of Eagles Community Foundation, added: “Having this continued support from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and their Bright Charity has been huge for our Hoops 4 Health initiative for over a decade.

“This investment in the programme has helped us engage thousands of children and encourage them to live healthy lifestyles, which will have an even bigger impact on the futures of our region's young people.”

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