Hitz student Josh up for national award
HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, supporting young people to make positive changes in their lives. Working with more than 2,000 14–24-year-olds across England every year, the programme is supported by CVC, Wooden Spoon and East Head Impact, with Central YMCA as the programme’s official education provider.
Participants on the programme learn in an environment different to mainstream education where rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship are at the heart of the delivery. The result is life changing.
Shortlisted from Newcastle Falcons is Josh Evans a young star with a story of self-discipline, commitment and courage beyond measure. They have worked against all odds to improve their own lives or the lives of others within an inclusive environment of the HITZ family.
Melanie Magee, head of foundation at Newcastle Rugby Foundation, commented: “We know how tough the competition is in these awards as there are so many compelling stories of success across all the clubs.
“For Josh to be shortlisted is a huge achievement and we are incredibly proud of him. We continue to see a determination and desire like never before from our young people to improve their lives.
“No matter what happens on the night, Josh, you are already our winner!”
Josh (left of picture, with foundation ambassador Tony Underwood) has been shortlisted for the Academic Achiever Award.
This is awarded for the journey a young person on HITZ has taken in their academic development. It recognises the pathway a learner has taken since joining the programme and how far they have travelled.
Josh struggled with poor mental health which resulted in him leaving school with no GCSEs and no desire for college. An ambition to become a firefighter like his uncle led Josh to enrol at HITZ to study uniformed protective services.
In addition to his full-time course, where he’s now on Level 3 Fire and Policing, Josh commits to multiple volunteer roles including with his local lifeboat service whilst working part-time.
