Inspirational young Sale Sharks Foundation stars shortlisted for Premiership Ruby Hitz Awards

HITZ, Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, has been transforming lives for 16 years, empowering young people to make lasting, positive changes. Every year, it reaches over 2,000 young people aged 14–24 across England, using rugby’s core values to equip them with essential life and employability skills, helping them re-engage with education, secure apprenticeships, or find meaningful employment.

Unlike traditional education settings, HITZ creates a unique learning environment where teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are at the core. The HITZ programme, with its nurturing environment participants affectionately refer to as the 'HITZ family’, simply put is life changing.

Representing Sale Sharks Rugby Foundation, Daniel and Kyron have been shortlisted for their stories of resilience, dedication, courage, and commitment. Their journeys are an inspiring testament to the power of rugby and community to create lasting change.

Faye Richardson, Community Inclusion Lead from Sale Sharks Foundation commented; "We are incredibly proud of Daniel and Kyron for being shortlisted, and that their hard work has rightfully been recognised.

"Our team at the Sale Sharks Foundation is truly exceptional, and we couldn’t deliver the HITZ programme without their dedication. Their support provides young people with the tools for success, creating a lasting positive impact not just on individuals but on our wider community."

Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead – Social Impact and D&I at Premiership Rugby said: “Congratulations to everyone shortlisted for this season's HITZ awards. Over the past 16 years, the success of the programme has been undeniable, with HITZ helping over 83% of learners move forward in a positive direction.

"The HITZ Awards are a reminder of how much rugby can change the trajectory of young people’s lives and the incredible difference HITZ has made. Each person involved in the programme should take pride in the impact they've had, and I can't wait to celebrate together at the Allianz Stadium in November."

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION SHORTLISTED NOMINEES

Daniel is shortlisted for the Academic Achiever Award. This award recognises the journey a young person on HITZ has taken in their academic development. It also acknowledges the personal pathway the learner has taken since joining the programme and how far they have come.

Daniel, a refugee from Sudan, joined the HITZ programme in October 2023 with limited English and a poor attitude towards learning. Daniel had a challenging educational background, having dropped out of primary school in Sudan, where schooling was not seen as a priority, and he did not attend secondary school. Due to language barriers and prior negative experiences in education, Daniel struggled to engage in traditional learning environments after moving to Manchester in 2014.

HITZ provided him with tailored support, including small group and one-on-one tutoring, which helped Daniel overcome his language challenges. Initially, he resisted completing assignments, particularly in math, but with individual attention, he made significant progress and as the programme progressed, Daniel’s perception and attitudes shifted.

He began to see education in a new light, realising its importance to help secure a job. This was reflected in his attendance improving from 30% before Christmas to 85% by the end of the academic year.

This transformation produced a newfound motivation and confidence. Daniel successfully completed Level 2 Employability, Functional Skills in Math, and English, and gained valuable work experience at a food bank and charity shop for SUEZ Recycling, improving his communication and practical skills. Daniel’s positive outlook on education now sees him plan to pursue a Level 2 Electrician course to become self-employed, highlighting his determination and growth.

Kyron is shortlisted for the Young Achiever Award. The Young Achiever Award recognises and rewards a young person who, by overcoming a range of challenges, has worked the hardest to progress on their journey back to education, training, or employment.

Kyron joined HITZ in September 2023, after struggling with various educational settings due to childhood trauma, mental health challenges, and bullying. Adopted at a young age after a period in foster care, he had difficulty engaging in school, leading to frustration, angry outbursts, and eventually disengagement.

Despite these challenges, Kyron aspired to complete Math and English qualifications and wanted to be able to support other adopted children through school after finding it so hard himself.

With support from the team at Sale Sharks Foundation, Kyron rebuilt his self-esteem and developed his motivation and determination to succeed. HITZ mentors helped him embrace opportunities, like work experience at Sale West Community Food Bank and a placement at Salford Community Stadium, developing his leadership skills and improved his communication skills. Kyron also accessed 1-1 mentoring, improving his mental health, resilience, and trust in adults.

Kyron’s attendance, confidence, and engagement significantly improved, leading to the completion of Level 2 Employability qualifications, Functional Skills in Maths, and GCSE English. He now works two jobs including a role in hospitality at the Salford Community Stadium following his impressive spell on work experience through HITZ, and plans to use his lived experience to help other adopted children facing similar challenges.

The transformation of Kyron into a confident, motivated individual highlights the power of the HITZ programme in helping participants to overcome past trauma and achieve personal and professional success.

This season, the HITZ programme celebrates its 16th anniversary. HITZ began in a field in Hackney back in 2008 and has evolved into the education and employability programme that we see today. In that time, it has achieved some huge milestones including over 24,000 enrolments and 83% progressing immediately into education, employment or training after their time with HITZ.

About HITZ

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, supported by the CVC Foundation and delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby’s 10 shareholder clubs.

Premiership Rugby HITZ Programme Stats:

· Over 24,000 14-24-year-olds enrolled on a HITZ programme over 16 years

· 76% of young people have completed the programme

· 83% progressed immediately into education, employment or training

· 87% expressed an increase in their personal, employability and life skills

· 90% expressed an increase in physical and mental wellbeing