Bright Charity and Newcastle Eagles score another success with Hoops 4 Health
Hundreds of children across North Tyneside and Northumberland have benefited from the Hoops 4 Health programme this year, thanks to the continued support of Bright and its longstanding partnership with the Eagles Community Foundation.
Now in its 13th year, Hoops 4 Health brings Newcastle Eagles players and trained community coaches into primary schools to combine basketball coaching with engaging health and wellbeing education. The programme encourages children to lead active lifestyles, build confidence and teamwork skills, and develop healthy habits from an early age.
Funded through Bright Charity’s commitment to supporting local communities, the programme also develops wider wellbeing 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.
Between 2025 and 2026, the programme:
- Delivered roadshows to 1,258 students
- Provided basketball coaching to 539 students
- Enabled 224 students to take part in tournaments
- Supported 32 students to compete in tournament finals
As part of the programme, schools took part in interactive educational roadshows delivered in collaboration with NHS stakeholders, covering topics including Fun with Fitness, Tap into Water, Top Tips for Teeth, and Thoughts and Emotions.
Year 5 pupils across the region also received four hours of basketball coaching from Eagles Community Foundation coaches, with sessions focused on participation, inclusion and enjoyment.
The programme 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 tournaments, with the top teams progressing to the finals during Newcastle Eagles home games.
This year’s tournament winners were:
Northumberland
- 1st: Ovingham Middle School
- 2nd: Dr Tomlinson Church of England Middle School
- 3rd: Ovingham Middle School and Cambois Primary School
North Tyneside
- 1st: St Mary’s Primary School
- 2nd: Marden Bridge Middle School
- 3rd: Cullercoats Primary School and Wellfield Middle School
During both finals evenings, the dental team from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust attended with an interactive information stand to engage families and promote positive dental health messages.
A 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.”
A teacher from St Mary’s Primary School added: “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.
“The chance to meet the players as part of the roadshow was a highlight for many of them. All of the children who took part were excited about playing and this is something that will stay with them for a long time.”
The continued success of Hoops 4 Health demonstrates the power of sport to inspire healthier lifestyles, build confidence and create lasting opportunities for young people across the region.
Through partnerships like this, Bright Charity continues to invest in the health and wellbeing of local communities, helping children develop skills and habits that can benefit them throughout their lives.
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.”
