North East Mayor Kim McGuinness joined Newcastle Eagles, British basketball’s most successful team, to promote togetherness, unity and tackle racism in the North East.

The Mayor teamed up with Eagles stars Darius Defoe, Sauveur Kande, Kendall Currence and Tierra Hodges in a special workshop at the Vertu Motors Arena with pupils from St Paul’s Church of England Primary and the charity Show Racism the Red Card.

The workshops aims to educate the next generation, promote inclusion and tackle racism.


North East Mayor Kim McGuinness joined Eagles players Darius Defoe, Sauveur Kande, Kendall Currence and Tierra Hodges in a Show Racism the Red Card workshop at the Vertu Motors Arena.

Visiting the Eagles’ Vertu Motors Arena home, the Mayor and pupils had chance to see the team’s latest Super League trophy to celebrate their recent success.

The Mayor is supporting charities and grassroots organisations who bring people together through the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, following disorder in the region last summer.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The North East is a proud region and we are known for being warm, friendly, welcoming people.


“However we saw last summer how division can undermine that spirit, and as the region’s mayor, I’m determined we work with our young people to stamp out racism for good.

“That’s why I support show Racism the Red Card and community groups who are working to bring people together.

“It was a privilege to work with the Eagles to promote unity and success – they are fantastic ambassadors for our region.”

Super League Basketball Trophy 2025 champions Newcastle Eagles and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness have teamed up in support of Show Racism the Red Card.

Paul Kearns, Director of Operations at Show Racism the Red Card, added: “Show Racism the Red Card is thrilled to continue our incredible partnership with the Newcastle Eagles.


“Sport is a powerful driver of social change, and last year’s riots served as a stark reminder of the work still needed to ensure the North East remains a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

“The Newcastle Eagles have been long-standing supporters of our mission, standing shoulder to shoulder with us to make it clear that racism has no place in the North East.

“Collaborating with community leaders like the Eagles and the North East Mayor is vital to our mission of educating the next generation and building a North East free from prejudice.”

Children from St Paul’s Church of England Primary School all left the Vertu Motors Arena with tickets to come back for an Eagles men’s or women’s game after some fun on the court led by Eagles players.

Newcastle Eagles have partnered with Show Racism the Red Card for almost three decades, with the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity’s due to celebrate 30 years since its launch next January.

Paul Blake, Managing Director of Newcastle Eagles, said: “We are always proud to work closely with both Show Racism The Red Card and our North East Mayor Kim McGuinness in continuing to promote the message of inclusivity in our regional community.

“Basketball as a sport prides itself on its inclusive nature and we want to make sure as a club we are doing everything we can to make sure that our sport welcomes the whole community.”