Tesco Bank Junior Players continues in North East

Sunderland AFC legend Kevin Ball joined Newcastle United's Bob Moncur and Newcastle Eagles star Drew Lasker to launch year two of Tesco Bank Junior Players. The community sports programme last year saw over 18,500 primary school pupils from across the North East of England get fit and active by taking part in football and basketball sessions led by Foundation of Light, Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation. The three Community Foundations, in partnership with Tesco Bank and Tesco Underwriting, have combined to develop a unique sports programme which gives young people in the region the opportunity to take part in physical activity through the power of sport and receive expert tuition from highly qualified coaches. Children from Balliol Primary School, who will be participating in the programme, attended today’s launch at Tesco Bank’s Newcastle base and were put through their paces by coaches from the respective Foundations. Iain Harnett, Tesco Bank, Customer Service Director said: "We are delighted to continue our Junior Players programme into a second year. We focus on creating opportunities for young people and encouraging healthy choices which are aims shared with all three of the Foundations. We are a major employer in the North East and this programme allows us to give something back to the communities which have supported us." Steve Kingshott, Chief Executive, Tesco Underwriting said: "Working with such admired partners shows our commitment to the North East and the community in which we live and work. Our focus is to create opportunities for young people and, over the next year, we look forward to seeing thousands of children flourish while having fun." Jamie Wright, Foundation of Light Managing Director commented: "The renewal of the Tesco Bank Junior Players programme is a great boon to our region’s grassroots sports and the youngsters who take part in them. Thanks to Tesco Bank we’re able to continue the fantastic work from last year and help thousands more youngsters enjoy sport and the benefits of being active." Kate Bradley, Head of Newcastle United Foundation, said: "We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Tesco Bank, alongside the Foundation of Light and Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation.Through Tesco Bank Junior Players we're encouraging primary school children to stay active and recognise the benefits of being involved in sport. We're engaging with children in a fun and engaging way that will inspire them to keep active." Samantha Blake, Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation, said: "It’s amazing to have the opportunity once again, to partner up with Tesco Bank and a host of community driven partners to help bring our sport to children across the north east. Last year was a huge success and we look forward to helping make the coming year an even better one."

Whilst I’m sure that some of our teams may be rivals on the pitch there’s no doubt that we’re all unified in wanting to give our youngsters a better future.

Kevin Ball, former Sunderland AFC captain

Bob Moncur, who played almost 300 games for Newcastle United, said: "A good coach is really important and it’s great that Tesco Bank is supporting the Foundation so their coaches can work with even more children from the North East who will reap the rewards.” Drew Lasker of the Newcastle Eagles added: "Basketball is a great team sport to get kids active and have fun. It helps teach important life lessons such as fair play and teamwork, in an environment which is perfect for families!"