The Newcastle Hoops 4 Health Finals took place on Friday 24 April, delivering an exciting celebration of school sport and highlighting the positive impact of community partnerships and youth engagement initiatives supported by Newcastle Hospitals Charity.

Held at the Vertu Arena, the event brought together pupils from four local schools for an unforgettable opportunity to play on the main court in front of a packed arena crowd as Newcastle Eagles took on Leicester Riders.

The evening began with two highly competitive semi-finals. Walkergate Primary School secured their place in the final with a strong 4–0 victory over St Albans Primary School, while Gosforth Central Middle School progressed after a dramatic shootout win against Benton Dene School following a 2–2 draw.


Newcastle Hospitals Charity mascot Fudge the Giraffe presented the winners trophy. (Photos: Kieran Zhane)

At half-time of the Men’s SLB game, finalists Walkergate Primary School and Gosforth Central Middle School returned to the court for a tense and closely fought final. With neither team able to find a winner during normal time, the championship was decided by a shootout, where Gosforth Central converted the decisive basket to be crowned 2025–26 Newcastle Hoops 4 Health Champions.

The event formed part of the wider Hoops 4 Health programme, which uses basketball and physical activity to inspire young people, encourage healthy lifestyles, and build confidence, teamwork, and resilience among pupils across the region.

Representatives from Newcastle Hospitals Charity joined players on court after the final to present medals and the championship trophy alongside Fudge, mascot of the Great North Children’s Hospital. The presentation celebrated not only the achievements of the finalists, but also the enthusiasm and commitment shown by every school involved.


Emma McQuitty, campaign officer at Newcastle Hospitals Charity said: “It was great to attend the Hoops 4 Health finals. The tournament was a fantastic celebration of teamwork, dedication, and school pride and it is amazing to see how the impact of Newcastle Hospitals Charity goes beyond the hospital walls. A huge well done to all of the pupils who took part.”

The finals evening provided a memorable showcase of grassroots sport in the North East and reflected the strong partnership working between schools, Newcastle Hospitals Charity and the Eagles Community Foundation in supporting healthier, more active futures for young people.