CHESHIRE Jets will reach out into the heart of the community next season.
The club will be launching a British Basketball League community initiative called Hoops 4 Health.
Trialled by Newcastle Eagles, the scheme - which was the main factor in attracting the team sponsor BiG Storage - is being rolled out across the BBL in the 2007-08 season.
Jets are setting up a scheme which will be the third largest in the BBL.
Jets committee member Alan Laird said: 'All the clubs which are growing as businesses have this community scheme in place. It is this which is the key to our survival.'
Hoops 4 Health introduces school pupils to the benefits of physical fitness and healthy eating through school visits and courses run by the club, which will employ full-time staff to run the scheme.
In total, 58 schools in Cheshire will be part of Hoops 4 Health with 1,400 primary school children benefiting.
Jets will also be continuing with their successful school clinics which take place before home games, all of which will be played on Sundays next season.
Despite their new name, Cheshire Jets' home will remain in Chester's Northgate Arena.
One significant change, however, is the transfer of three home fixtures to 'out-grounds' - other arenas in Cheshire to capitalise on the expanded potential fanbase.
Throughout the summer, the club is organising a number of events for fans.
On Sunday, July 8, there will be a treasure hunt; on Saturday, July 21, there is a bingo night and on Sunday, August 5 - Chester Races Family Day - the Jets have been given space on the London 2012 Olympic bus to promote the club.
* Season tickets are still on sale but early-bid offers are now over. An adult ticket costs £175, students and OAPs must pay £130 and children £100.
For more information visit the website www.jetsbasketball.co.uk
