StreetGames and the Eagles
StreetGames and the Eagles Community Foundation came together for a day of skills, drills and slams on Sunday 7th March at a coaching clinic for StreetGames projects from across the North East. Over 130 young people attended the coaching clinic prior to the Eagles players taking on the Sheffield Sharks who they beat 99-79 in a very exciting performance which took them to the top of the league table.
The coaching clinic was a huge hit with the young people who were representing projects from across the North East. The Eagles Community Foundation coaches led the young people through a 2 hour circuit of skills on the court prior to the professionals coming on to play.
The fun continued off court with activities taking place in the foyer area for both the young people from the StreetGames projects as well as members of the general public. StreetGames provided opportunities for people to try out the interactive dance mats, which were very popular with all ages.
As well as the Eagles players providing a gripping performance, 52 dancers from a StreetGames project, North East Music Factory, took to the court to wow the crowds with their popping and locking street dance moves. The dancers received an excellent reaction from the 3000 strong crowd who enjoyed their pre-match and half time routines.
The day was organised by the Eagles Community Foundation and the national charity, StreetGames. StreetGames is the only national charity dedicated to developing sport in disadvantaged communities and making sport accessible to all young people regardless of their income and social circumstances. This is achieved by supporting and establishing local projects to deliver sports activities by providing training for staff and volunteers.
Through providing events such as the coaching clinic with the Newcastle Eagles, the young people are able to meet other young people from across the North East who have been participating in similar projects, it’s also a chance for them to showcase their skills and learn new ones, from the excellent Eagles coaches.
Gemma Hollywood, StreetGames Co-ordinator commented: “Our aim as a charity is to bring sport to young people from all social backgounds in a way which engages them and encourages them to make sport a regular part of their lives. We do this each year by helping local providers set up schemes and intiaitves to deliver sport and activites to young people in their areas.
“Events such as the Eagles Coaching Clinic are an important part of our calendar as they give the children from these various projects the opportunity to learn what it is like to take part in a major sporting event, showcase the skills they have developed, both social and sporting, and to simply enjoy sport in the company of other young people.”
Eagles Community Foundation Basketball Development Manager, Deirdre Hayes, added “StreetGames are an important partner and one we work with closely. It was great to see an event which was such a celebration of the partnership with so many young people getting a positive basketball experience.”
For further information about StreetGames please contact Gemma Hollywood on 0191 497 2325 or e-mail gemma.hollywood@streetgames.org
