Alan Hoyle

Alan grew up in Northumberland and is a true inspiration to people in the area. After leaving High School, Alan started to coach a local Basketball team, which he continued to do during his time at college and University.

After leaving University, Alan turned down work in the United States to continue his unpaid Basketball coaching in his home county of Northumberland, where he now, six years later, runs Aspire 2 Achieve, a local organisation which gives young people the opportunity to participate in activities and learn new skills. Alan also runs his own basketball league which is made up of six basketball clubs, all of which he volunteers for.

Using the sport of Basketball as his vehicle, Alan works with people of all abilities and ages, including mentally and physically disabled people.

During the summer of 2011, an after school activities service provider was closed due to a lack of funding, when Alan heard this he took over and now provides local schools with the activities they had enjoyed in the past and more, whilst creating new job opportunities for people in the region.

During his time Alan has helped stop young people taking drugs and living a life of crime, and has found work for a number of people in the area. He has provided young people with clothing, food, but most importantly, he has shown people how to respect and believe in themselves.

Whether it is through coaching or being a mentor, Alan is a positive role model to everyone he comes into contact with.