Last week we saw three HITZ students, a HITZ volunteer, Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Newcastle College staff along with the shortlisted nominee’s families and friends, travel to Twickenham for the Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards 2023.

The event was a fantastic success, with inspiring stories from all individuals nominated from different clubs.

Reece Wray was honoured with the Young Achiever Award for his outstanding performance, and Jan Farkas received the Physical Activity Award for his dedication to fitness.

David Wilson and Lauren Mclean were also recognised for their achievements, being shortlisted for the Champion and Academic Achiever awards. It is indeed a proud moment for all the individuals involved.

After the ceremony all the nominees and their families and friends made the most of their time in London by exploring the city the next day, taking an open-top bus tour to see all the key landmarks before heading back home to Newcastle.

The HITZ programme, which is Newcastle Rugby Foundation’s employability and enrichment programme, aims to support young people in the region to become employment ready.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Newcastle College, with the Foundation delivering a variety of sessions focused on getting the students work-ready.

These sessions cover a range of topics, such as self-esteem, money management, proper social media use and professional relationships, among others.

Additionally, formal qualifications are also delivered as part of the programme.

This programme is designed to help young people in the region achieve their goals and improve their employability prospects. The success of the HITZ programme is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing more young people achieve their goals with the help of this fantastic programme.

Premiership Rugby HITZ programme stats:

• Over 22,000 14-24-year-olds enrolled on a HITZ programme.

• 75% of young people have completed the programme.

• 83% progressed immediately into education, employment or training.

• 85% expressed an increase in soft skills (eg communication, confidence).

• 90% expressed an increase in physical and mental wellbeing.

If you would like to know more about the programme, please contact david.shotton@newcastle-falcons.co.uk.