School Of Hard Knocks Back On Sky Sports

Scott Parker and Darren Campbell are amongst the famous names helping to shape the lives of over 20 unemployed men in the fifth series of School of Hard Knocks, the Sky Sports programme which focuses on changing lives through sport, led by rugby legends Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell.  

The series follows a squad recruited in Haringey, north London, as they learn the skills of rugby union and benefits of working as a team. As well as rugby and fitness training, the participants take part in a series of one-off experiences with influential mentors aimed at improving fitness, social development and life skills.

Will Greenwood said: ‘Haringey is an area which is heavily affected by unemployment and a large element of unrest. Through this series of Hard Knocks we aimed to create teamwork, friendship, trust and responsibility. This isn’t just a corporate social responsibility programme, this is something we passionately believe in and it was an incredible journey for them and me.’

Scott Quinnell added: ‘These unemployed lads from Haringey showed commitment on the field and challenged themselves off it. They showed passion and determination in ways they never had before, and might never have had Hard Knocks not found them.’

School of Hard Knocks follows the squad as they embark upon their journey with Greenwood and Quinnell, and the series concludes with the young men joining forces to face another team in a match. 

For the second year the two rugby legends recruited the participants themselves by initiating a leaflet campaign inviting people to take part. The group reflect the social diversity of the location in Haringey with the majority coming from underprivileged backgrounds. The series has many positive outcomes including a number of the participants getting jobs and signing up for career training as a result of their involvement.