Grassroots basketball programme gains backing

A North East charity initiative is expanding access to grassroots basketball for young people.

The Harry & Janice Banks Foundation has partnered with Eagles Community Foundation to support the delivery of basketball coaching and development sessions for young people across the region.

The funding will help provide structured activities designed to encourage physical activity, teamwork and confidence, particularly within communities where access to organised sport can be limited.

Hundreds of children and teenagers are expected to benefit from coaching sessions, community engagement activities and pathways into wider participation in basketball and sport.

The partnership reflects a shared ambition to use sport as a tool for positive social impact while helping create accessible opportunities for young people across the region.

A spokesperson for The Harry & Janice Banks Foundation said: “We’re delighted to support the Eagles Community Foundation. 

“Sport opens up so many opportunities for young people and it’s great to see the impact already being made.”

The programme will be led by newly appointed community coach Charlotte Redhead, who brings experience as both a high-level junior player and coach within the North East basketball community.

Charlotte is also assistant coach to the Newcastle Eagles Women’s Super League Basketball team and has previously worked within Basketball England’s junior set-up in a support role.

Sam Blake, chief executive of Eagles Community Foundation, added: "This funding is instrumental in helping us reach more young people and deliver meaningful experiences through basketball.

“We are extremely grateful for the support and shared commitment to empowering communities. Charlotte’s appointment is also a hugely positive step for the programme.

“She brings genuine passion for developing young people, strong experience within the game, and an understanding of the positive impact basketball can have within communities.”

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