Two of the club and foundation’s longest-serving volunteers have received special recognition for their contribution to sport in our region.

Eric Wilson and Linda Williamson have been honoured in the 2024 Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero Awards.

These prestigious awards are presented to recognise the true unsung heroes of North East sport who dedicate hours of their time each week to support their local clubs.

The Eagles’ ‘Wings Team’ of volunteers play a huge part in the functioning of the club’s game nights, but the Eric and Linda go much further than that.

Throughout the club’s illustrious history of on-court success over the past two decades, Eric Wilson has been the one constant on the sidelines.

Eric continues to support the club with organising accommodation and transport for away games, which recently expanded to include five European trips per season in the ENBL.

Back at home Eric is responsible for managing the kit, practice arrangements and game day logistics for the team with a tally, including pre-season fixtures, close to 1,000 games during his tenure at the club.

The most successful British basketball team of all time, has had its unsung hero right alongside the players for all 27 title wins and and until he recently retired, this was all alongside a full-time job.

Beyond the top-flight men’s team, in his spare time and showing his commitment to the sport of basketball in our region, Eric has been a trustee of the Eagles Community Foundation since its creation in 2005.

Linda Williamson has volunteered for the Eagles for more than 27 years, leaving an impact on the tens of thousands of people who have either watched games and been involved in any of the Eagles Community Foundation’s outreach activity.

The foundation’s legendary Hoops 4 Health programme uses basketball to promote healthy living to primary school pupils right across our region and behind the scenes since 2012 Linda has played an integral part in creating the resources used in schools.

When the Eagles are playing at home, Linda organises game night competitions, entertainment and prizes, and even coached the cheerleading squad for a time.

The club and foundation are equally indebted to Linda for her unwavering support, positivity and selflessness in giving her time so freely for so many years.