Over the past two years, the Eagles Community Foundation has actively worked towards greater inclusion in keeping with its mission to make basketball accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability.

The foundation’s ‘Inclusive Basketball’ sessions for adults with learning disabilities and autism, run in partnership with LD: North East, have been such a huge success they now run at full capacity.

Building on the success of those sessions, the Foundation was recently approached by the Percy Hedley Foundation, a North East disability charity supporting individuals with complex learning disabilities and additional communication needs, to create a new six-week work placement programme.


With only one in five people with a learning disability currently in employment, the Foundation recognises the importance of providing real-world opportunities to help break this stigma and the placements will offer students hands-on experience in a sporting environment.

Candidates apply, attend an interview, tour our facilities, and if successful, join the Foundation’s team for a weekly placement with roles that will include setting up sessions, assisting coaches, and even leading parts of sessions where they feel comfortable.

The Vertu Motors Arena has played host to a group of students from the Percy Hedley Foundation looking to gain hands-on experience in a sporting environment.

“The students have been incredible, getting involved from day one and it’s been amazing to see their confidence grow”, said Susan Hunter, Chief Operating Officer of the Eagles Community Foundation.


“We hope to strengthen this partnership further and, where possible, provide paid employment opportunities in the future.”

Students have the opportunity to set up sessions, assist coaches and even lead drills at the Vertu Motors Arena.

Kerry Robinson, Project Manager at Percy Hedley Foundation, added: “The impact of this partnership has been life-changing.”

“One student, passionate about basketball, confidently led a small group for the first time. Another, struggling with social anxiety, was overjoyed after attending an interview.

“These experiences go beyond work – they empower students in their everyday lives.”


We are proud of this partnership and hope it inspires other organisations to create more inclusive opportunities.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, reach out to Kerry Robinson by emailing [email protected].