Premiership Rugby’s Hitz Launches Series
Premiership Rugby’s HITZ programme, which uses rugby to increase young people’s resilience, self-reliance and confidence, has launched details of a series of new films putting the success stories of young people across the country in the spotlight.
The programme aims to give its participants the skills to get into or remain in education, vocational training, apprenticeships or employment.
Having launched in 2009, this season it has been rolled out nationally with the support of key partners – Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon.
At Bath Rugby, Josh Burton is one of the success stories of HITZ, which helps young people into work with support from Barclays in Bath.
The first film, Josh’s Story, explains the huge benefits that the programme has brought to him and other young people taking part. Josh is one of 9,000 young people across the UK who will be supported by HITZ over the next three years.
Having been in many care placements since an early age, Josh felt he had few opportunities to improve his chances in life. Josh struggled with his confidence and school attendance, and lacked the motivation and skills to get into work when he left school.
Since joining HITZ, Josh has gained new skills and benefited from work placements and employment opportunities. He is now taking control of his life, has new aspirations, and has found a job.
‘After the HITZ programme I have a lot more confidence,’ Josh explains. ‘I have more confidence in getting employed. I now feel more confident about getting on with my life and being more ambitious.’
The film also stars HITZ ambassadors and Bath Rugby players Matt Banahan and Anthony Perenise.
HITZ also supports five Million Young Futures – Barclays’ commitment to invest financially, as well as its employees’ time and expertise in community programmes that enhance the enterprise, employability and financial skills of disadvantaged young people, by 2015.
David Wheldon, Barclays Head of Brand, Reputation, Citizenship and Marketing added: ‘For the past decade, we’ve used the power of sport to support our communities and the young people who live in them. Youth unemployment is a significant issue and HITZ provides an innovative way to respond to this problem. Our partnership with this Premiership Rugby programme is part of Barclays’ broader commitment to changing 5 Million Young Futures, so the next generation has the skills needed to fulfil their potential and achieve financial security.’
‘This film highlights the role Barclays has played in supporting HITZ in Bath, where volunteers from the local branches help deliver the programme.’
The films will feature young people from each of the 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs, championing their inspiring success stories from Exeter Chiefs in the South-West to Newcastle Falcons in the North-East.
Mark McCafferty, chief executive, Premiership Rugby commented: ‘The power of professional rugby with its club brands, facilities, players and coaches to deliver social change is immense. The expansion of Premiership Rugby’s social impact work together with partners from public and private sector organisations in the run-up to Rugby World Cup 2015 is using the game to change the lives of individuals and communities for the better through HITZ and our other social change programmes.’
