The Sport Newcastle Awards Night, held at Newcastle Civic Centre, celebrated the outstanding achievements and bright futures of North East athletes across a variety of sports. Among the many talented individuals recognised was Francis Ogbolu, a shining example of the success fostered by the Eagles Pathway programme.

Francis, a dedicated basketball player and key figure in the Eagles Community Foundation’s development initiatives, was awarded a Rising Star Grant at the prestigious event. This recognition highlights his exceptional talent and commitment to the sport, as well as his potential to excel at the national and international levels.

The Rising Star Grant, valued at £250, supports young athletes who are making significant strides in their sporting careers. As part of the Eagles Pathway, Francis has not only developed his skills but has also embodied the values of teamwork, determination, and community spirit that the Foundation strives to instil in its players.

The Eagles Community Foundation takes immense pride in supporting athletes like Francis, whose journey reflects the impact of grassroots basketball programmes. From early training to competitive opportunities, the Foundation aims to nurture talent and provide pathways for young players to achieve their dreams.

Mike Booth, Vice Chair of Sport Newcastle, emphasised the importance of supporting young athletes, saying, “Our Rising Stars are already performing at an exceptionally high standard. All compete nationally, and several have represented their country at the world level.

The awards evening also celebrated other outstanding achievements, including BMX champion Kieran Reilly and para-athlete Anna Nicholson, alongside an inspiring array of Rising Stars from across the North East. The event, supported by sponsors such as Tier One Capital and SOS Group, showcased the region’s rich sporting talent and the unwavering community support that helps these athletes thrive.

Francis isn’t the only Eagles Academy star to earn recognition with a Rising Star Award. Tosan Evbuomwan, currently playing in the NBA’s G-League picked up the award in 2019 before heading off to Princeton University to study Economics, before stints with the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies.