Eagles Women Reach New Heights with the Science of Basketball
15th May 2025
Sport and STEM are transforming futures thanks to Reece Foundation support.
Thousands of schoolchildren across the North East are discovering a new love for learning – and it’s all happening courtside.
With backing from the Reece Foundation and the North East Combined Authority, the Science of Basketball programme led by the Newcastle Eagles Women’s Team is combining fast-paced sport with exciting education.
Delivered at the home of Newcastle Eagles, this innovative programme blends STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) with hands-on learning using the dynamics of basketball, transforming the basketball court into a classroom. Pupils in Years 3 to 6 explore real-life applications of maths and physics, covering topics like percentages, ratios, averages and forces, in a fun, active environment.
“We’re proud to continue to support a programme that brings STEM to life for young people in such an accessible and inspiring way,” said Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation. “It’s about showing students that science and engineering are not only relevant to everyday life — they’re exciting, creative and open to everyone. Supporting young minds to make that connection is exactly what the Foundation is here for.”
Led by player-coach Chloe Gaynor, a STEM graduate herself, the initiative reaches over 2,500 pupils annually through more than 70 workshops, and its impact goes beyond the classroom.
“We are seeing more and more young people come to our games and get involved in basketball through the programme”, said Eagles player-coach and STEM programme coordinator Chloe Gaynor.
“Many who attended have continued their learning at home and we’ve been told how their eyes are now open to alternative career paths. It’s great to see the Science of Basketball programme growing year after year and I can’t thank our sponsors enough for their continued investment to make it happen. It wouldn’t be possible without them, and I am sure the thousands of children who are having positive experiences with STEM and sports are just as thankful as we are.”
Every student completes a colourful activity booklet during an interactive session and receives a free ticket to watch the Eagles Women’s team, who themselves made history this year with their highest ever league finish (third).
As young fans cheer in the stands, they’re not just watching a game, they’re seeing how the science of sport works.
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