Since the beginning of 2018, Gloucester Rugby HITZ has worked with over 30 NEET (not in education, employment or training) students to help them gain a huge wealth of experience and qualifications to help them progress onto employment, education or training.

The experience ranges from working within the community feeding the homeless with Gloucester City Mission, running Walking Rugby sessions for the elderly and running a social enterprise on match days. Working with local businesses such as XJump, Into-play, the Cavern and Gloucester City Farm, our students gain experience working within the industries they are interested in.

Alongside helping young people achieve their Maths and English Qualifications, all of our students are now qualified first aiders. They also went on to gaining industry specific qualifications, ranging from Gym Instruction and Principles of Coaching, to Food Safety & Hygiene and gaining a CSCS card.

HITZ proves to everyone that regardless of background, current ability or self-belief, that with hard work, success is possible to all. Jared first came to us with severe anxiety, especially in new, social situations. He left school 2 years early without any qualifications. During his time with us, he went on to gaining his first Aid and a Gym Instructor Level 2 with the hopes of working towards his level 3. He also proved his own ability to himself by impressing everyone at XJump so much, they offered him a job.

“His anxiety quickly dissolved and he came across as a confident and driven young individual. Because of this, and how Jared conducts himself while on the premises during placement, I offered him the position on the spot and to begin work as of this weekend.

"I am writing this email as I would like to put it on record to all those at HITZ, as to how well Jared has been performing while with us, the outcome of all his hard work is employment with us at XJump.” – Xjump Supervisor

In addition, 2 of the HITZ students went above and beyond to be nominated for a HITZ award. James, (HITZ Rugby Performer nominee) graduated last December and a year on, is still enjoying playing Rugby and working at Kingsholm. Beth (HITZ Academic Achiever Award) went from missing most of Year 9, 10 and 11 to gaining her Maths and English qualification and being accepted into the Navy to begin a career as a chef.

HITZ hasn’t just helped young NEET’s develop, Aaron Hinkley, one of Gloucester Rugby’s Academy Players, has been helping mentor and coach our students over the past year and has had a huge impact on both the people he mentors and himself. “It helps me stay grounded. It think it helps me become a better person off the field which improves my game and other parts of my life.

"It has given me a different outlook on different areas, like coaching as I’ve had to breakdown what I’m doing and how I’m doing it, rather than the skill just being natural. I’ve realised that my experiences whether bad or good can help support others who are struggling or living currently with similar issues.”

HITZ continues to grow and develop, working with more young people, and more community groups to deliver the most enriching and valuable experience possible. If you are interested in being part of this exciting programme, you can contact the HITZ Officer, Matt Russell at mattrussell@gloucesterrugby.co.uk or 07590 640622.

A Year in Gloucester Rugby HITZ

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