Hundreds of North East children have been helped to lead healthier and more active lives through a long-running school programme backed by a regional charity and one of the area's leading sports teams.
The Hoops 4 Health scheme is now in its 13th year and is delivered through a partnership between Bright Charity and the Newcastle Eagles’ Eagles Community Foundation.
It brings basketball coaching and health education into classrooms across North Tyneside and Northumberland.
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.
"The success of this programme shows how funds donated locally can be reinvested into projects that inspire children, improve wellbeing and create opportunities that may otherwise not be available."
The scheme combines basketball coaching from Eagles players and community coaches with lessons on health and wellbeing, encouraging pupils to stay active, build confidence and work as a team.
This year, the programme was expanded to include sessions on dental hygiene, delivered with support from NHS partners.
Pupils took part in roadshows covering topics such as fitness, hydration, oral health and emotional wellbeing.
One Year 5 pupil who took part in the programme said: "I think it was good as we learnt the rules of basketball and played really fun games.
"We got to try everything.
"The tournament was good and the music lifted our spirits when it was hard.
"We were proud of the other teams and loved the discounted tickets.
"We got to enjoy ourselves at the game and cheer everyone on.
"I loved everything because I learnt a new sport."
Students received four hours of basketball coaching from foundation coaches, focused on participation, inclusion and fun.
The experience culminated in tournaments at the Vertu Motors Arena, with finalists competing during Newcastle Eagles home games.
Between 2025 and 2026, the programme delivered roadshows to 1,258 students, basketball coaching to 539, and tournament opportunities to 224 – with 32 reaching the tournament finals.
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A teacher from St Mary’s Primary School said: "This year was the first year that we have taken part in the Hoops 4 Health programme.
"Every aspect of the programme was fantastic.
"The children loved the coaching sessions from the Newcastle Eagles community coaches and were engaged throughout."
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