Hoops for Health: A Comprehensive Approach to Healthy Living for Young People
Introduction
Hoop for Health is a comprehensive basketball-based program designed to promote healthy living among young people in Northern Australia. The program, grounded in First Nations leadership andtrauma-informed neuroscience, uses basketball as a tool to address the unique health and wellness challenges faced by this demographic. Over the past 23 years, Hoops for Health has touched the lives of more than 10,000 young people, delivering a range of health education and sports skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
About the Program
Hoop for Health is a First Nations-led business that blends the life experiences of its mentors with leading edge trauma informed neuroscience. The program is built around three core components: Roadshows, Coaching, and Tournaments. Roadshows are held in local communities and focus on introducing health messages related to mental and social well-being, staying fit, and healthy eating. These events are led by Eagle players, who act as role models and encourage young people to engage in physical activity.
Coaching sessions are offered in schools and feature a level 2 qualified Eagles Community Foundation coach delivering 4 hours of basketball training to students in fifth grade. These sessions are designed to support the development of fundamental basketball skills while also addressing health and wellness topics.
Tournaments are held at local facilities and involve teams from different schools competing in a single-day event. These tournaments are an opportunity for young people to showcase their skills, learn teamwork strategies, and contribute to their communities.
The Impact
Hoop for Health has been shown to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of young people in Northern Australia. The program has been linked to increased access to health education and health services, increased community togetherness, and increased support for girls' athletics and gender equity. In还将 efforts are continue to make in 2025 to increase attendance in community classes and expand programming to more remote areas.
Future Goals
In the future, Hoop for Health aims to further expand its reach and impact by increasing participation rates among young people, partnering with additional stakeholders, and introducing new health and wellness topics into the program. The program also intends to develop a training and certification program for individuals interested in becoming Hoop for Health certified coaches, ensuring that the life-changing messages of hope are shared and continued in communities across Australia.
###, Hoop for Health is a proven and effective basketball-based program that promotes healthy living among young people in Northern Australia. By combining the power of sports with important health and wellness messages, the program has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of young people in the region. With continued support from the community, stakeholders, and sponsors, the program is well-positioned to achieve its goals and make even greater impacts in the days to come.