Land Rover Drives Social Change Deal

04 Dec 2013 | tshego

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Land Rover has been announced as an Official Partner of HITZ, a social change programme delivered by Premiership Rugby and its associated clubs.

Through a structured programme of rugby, life skills training and mentoring, HITZ acts as an entry point for tackling some of the challenges facing vulnerable British youth today aiming to help young people address personal barriers or disillusionment, inter-personal conflict and frustration and unemployment.

With a particular focus on Not in Education, Employment or Training agenda (NEET), the project aims to initiate behaviour change and fosters confidence in disenfranchised young people.

The HITZ model has been developed and refined over the last three years and currently involves six Premiership Rugby Clubs. Funding from Land Rover will allow the programme to grow and expand further to all 12 Premiership Rugby Clubs and a 13th area of inner London.

Jonathan Garrett, Jaguar Land Rover Corporate Social Responsibility Director, said: ‘We are excited to be supporting this fantastic programme. At Jaguar Land Rover, we want to make a real contribution to our local communities and support initiatives that make a difference to people’s lives.’

Laura Schwab, Land Rover UK Marketing Director, added: ‘We have a great partnership with Premiership Rugby and are committed to supporting them grow the game of rugby. What better way than to continue this partnership with supporting a programme that uses rugby in such a positive way.’

Land Rover has also appointed Rugby World Cup winner, Lewis Moody, to become its HITZ ambassador, he said: ‘Rugby is a fantastic vehicle to help young people learn skills that they need for everyday life – whether it’s helping to channel aggression or learning skills such as teamwork that can help gain employment for further education. I am thrilled to be part of this programme and look forward to working alongside Land Rover to help use rugby within local communities.’

Land Rover’s support of Premiership Rugby, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup and now the HITZ programme is a part of the company’s well-established relationship with rugby which includes Rugby World Cup 2015, the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia 2013 and the Top 14 Orange in France.