Vertu Drives Support For Grassroots Basketball With Ford Test Drive Event
Basketball fans who visited Vertu Motors Arena, home of Newcastle Eagles, helped Vertu to raise thousands of pounds for the Eagles Community Foundation (ECF) thanks to Ford’s Drive 4 UR Community initiative.
Vertu Newcastle Ford teamed up with Newcastle Eagles to raise more than £2,600 for their Foundation, which supports its mission to grow grassroots basketball and youth development across the region.
The dealership, which is also situated on Scotswood Road alongside the stadium, brought the latest range of electric Ford vehicles along to the game and donated £30 for every test drive.
The day also featured a packed schedule of basketball activity, with matches and training sessions showcasing the impact of the ECF’s work. Founded in 2006, the Foundation has delivered thousands of opportunities for young people through coaching, volunteering, and competitive sport.
The fundraising is part of Ford’s Drive 4 UR Community initiative, a national scheme launched by the manufacturer to help local dealerships support community organisations through test-drive fundraising events. It has raised millions of pounds across the world for schools, charities, and grassroots programmes.
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, said: “Our partnership with the Eagles goes back over a decade, and is built on the shared values of ambition, teamwork, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Supporting events like this isn’t just about raising money, it’s about creating opportunities for young people to thrive, both on and off the court.”
Paul Blake, Managing Director of the Newcastle Eagles, added: “Vertu has been instrumental in helping us grow our community programmes over the past ten years. Their support has enabled us to reach more schools, train more coaches, and inspire the next generation of players. This event is another example of how business and sport can come together to make a real difference.”
The Newcastle Eagles are the most successful basketball club in British history, with ten national titles and a recent win in the 2024/25 Super League Basketball Trophy. Their partnership with Vertu has helped launch initiatives such as Hoops 4 Health, Science of Basketball, and the Eagles Central Venue League—programmes that have driven record participation in the sport across the North East.