Ambitious students are aiming high thanks to an aspirational scheme matching sport with education.
During the last three seasons, the Newcastle Eagles women’s team have been inspiring the next generation by using basketball to boost learning.
The club’s Science of Basketball programme focuses on science, technology, engineering and maths — covering topics like percentages, ratios, averages and forces — and transforms the court into a classroom.
“We are seeing more and more young people come to our games and get involved in basketball through the programme”, said Eagles player-coach and STEM programme coordinator Chloe Gaynor.
“Their support in the stands has been key in some crucial fixtures this year and not only are we seeing a positive effect at our games but we are hearing more and more stories about what came next for these amazing young people.
“Many who attended have continued their learning at home and we’ve been told how their eyes are now open to alternative career paths, which is great to see — especially given the scale of the STEM fields industry and its legacy in the North East.”
Thanks to support from the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and, for the third year running, the Reece Foundation, more than 5,000 schoolchildren from across the region have benefited from an innovative approach to learning.
“We’re proud to continue to support a programme that brings STEM to life for young people in such an accessible and inspiring way,” said Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation.
“It’s about showing students that science and engineering are not only relevant to everyday life – they’re exciting, creative and open to everyone. Supporting young minds to make that connection is exactly what the Foundation is here for.”
Basketball remains the UK’s second most participated team sport and with its fast-pace and statistical focus it has STEM at its core.
A range of subjects are brought to life by inspirational role-models from Newcastle’s women’s team — delivering outreach activity and breaking stereotypes along the way.
Gaynor, herself a university graduate of a STEM subject, leads a project that sees Eagles stars inspire young minds and underpin the relationship between basketball and education.
“It’s great to see the Science of Basketball programme growing year after year and I can’t thank our sponsors enough for their continued investment to make it happen”, said Gaynor.
“It wouldn’t be possible without them, and I am sure the thousands of children who are having positive experiences with STEM and sports are just as thankful as we are.”
Students complete a colourful activity booklet throughout an interactive session that takes place on court and in meeting room spaces at the Vertu Motors Arena, home of Newcastle Eagles and the Eagles Community Foundation.
Thanks to the programme’s funders each student also receives a free ticket to an Eagles Women’s Super League Basketball game and the chance to see how the science of sport really works.
The young people have been able to enjoy the Eagles women’s games in a historic season as they combined reaching new heights in this programme’s delivery with their highest ever league finishing position landing in third place going into this weekend’s Play-Offs action.
Key Stage 2 students, aged 7 to 11 encompassing school years 3 through 6, enhance their understanding of STEM subjects in the Science of Basketball sessions in preparation for SATS.
In 2025 the programme has continued to grow and will be delivered in over 70 workshops to more than 2,500 primary school pupils across the region.
Schools can find out more about the programme how they can be a part of it by emailing [email protected]
