The Cheshire Jets pro team may not have been competing for any silverware at the weekend. But the trophy cabinet welcomed a new addition on Saturday. When Thelwall Primary took to the court at the NIA to represent the Jets in the Hoops4Health national final and were crowned national champions.

The Cheshire school played to a capacity crowd of 7,000 people who had come to watch the BBL end of season spectacle between the Mersey Tigers and the Sheffield Sharks. This year’s Hoops4Heath national champion contenders took to the court during half time of the All Stars game to battle it out for the title.

Seven teams were involved in the final representing teams from across the BBL. Thelwall Primary played six games each lasting 5 minutes to secure their place in the grand final against Newcastle Eagles, Hoops4Health team Glynwood Primary. Thelwall again put in a strong performance to win with a resounding 12 points to 8 final score line.

Thelwall Primary school from Warrington secured their place at the final after coming top out of 100 primary schools across Cheshire, the Wirral and North Wales that took part in the Hoops4Health programme  this season. Thelwall brought together a strong team of nine players coached by Jets Community Coach Steve Welsh.

Coach Welsh said;

“The team worked well together and all of the players involved were key to helping them lift the trophy, for me though a few of the guys stood out. Liam Johnson is a great team player getting everyone involved and making key shots in the final this is why is was chosen as the team captain. Ben Corrigan played great defense throughout the whole tournament, especially in the final making 2 key steals and finishing the lay-up and finally, and Charlie Miller he became really focused on getting as many rebounds as possible in the final to limit Glynwood to as little shots as possible to make it harder for them to score. A brilliant all round team performance well done guys”

Thelwall Primary Head teacher Mrs. Robinson said;

“This has been a marvelous experience for the children representing our school in the BBL Hoops 4Health competition. Cheshire Jets have played a significant role sending in coaches to develop these skills as well as raise the awareness of basketball within the community.  Many children across school have benefited from the programme and have taken a greater interest in the sport.

Mrs. Robinson added;

“It has been wonderful to see the children from this school enjoying playing basketball. More children than ever at Thelwall Junior School are participating in physical activities, sport and competitions which only encourages them towards a healthier lifestyle and enjoying sport in the future. I am extremely proud of children at Thelwall Community Junior School and what they have achieved for this school’.

Mr Vermigilo Class Teacher at Thelwall Primary also spoke about the Hoops4Health experience;

“All the pupils that took part played a huge part in the success of the team. They are a credit to our school and we are extremely proud of them!  It is a major achievement for Thelwall Junior School to be crowned national Hoops 4 Health champions.

The Hoops4Health trophy is being presented to the winning team during a special school assembly on Thursday the 12th of May at 3pm at Thelwall Primary School.

NB FOR EDITORS

Hoops 4Health is just one of the community programmes that fall under Jets Foundation the Jets registered charity.

The programme has delivered healthy eating/living messages to 10,000 children across the regions of Cheshire, The Wirral and Flintshire.

The programme through the backing of Carlyle Finance Jets community sponsor teaches young people aged 9-11 the importance of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and smoking cessation.

The programme offers children extracurricular basketball training sessions then chance to compete in regional tournaments against other Hoops4Health schools. The aim of which is to go through and represent the Jets at the NIA in Birmingham.

For more information please contact Jess Forbes 01244 302010 or alternatively email jess.forbes@jetsbasketball.org.uk