HITZ Awards - Young Achiever shortlist revealed
Premiership Rugby has announced Harry Davis, Tom Hardy, Stephanie Rawlings, Sohail Khalifa, Kendal Morris and Joe Melfah as the six finalists for the HITZ Young Achiever Award supported by Barclays. This award will be presented at the HITZ Awards on 4 February.
The HITZ Young Achiever Award recognises and rewards the young person who, by overcoming a range of challenges, has worked the hardest to progress on their journey back to education, training or employment.
The multi award-winning HITZ programme uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self-reliance and confidence and gives them the skills to get back into education, apprenticeships and employment.
As a national HITZ partner, Barclays is supporting the Young Achiever Award.
"Barclays is a partner of the HITZ programme as we see the impact it can have on young people's lives," said Barclays assistant vice president Vicky Lowe .
"We have a global focus on supporting young people to get back into work and gain financial security and the shortlist for the Young Achiever Award is evidence of this.
"We are delighted to be supporting this Award and showcase how rugby is getting young people back into work or education."
HITZ Awards - Young Achiever shortlist
- Harry Davis - Bath Rugby
- Tom Hardy - Bath Rugby
- Stephanie Rawlings - Harlequins
- Sohail Khalifa - Leicester Tigers
- Kendal Morris - Sale Sharks
- Joe Melfah - Worcester Warriors
Harry joined the HITZ programme after being knocked down by a lorry while on his bike.
Having previously been excluded from a number of schools, and with anger issues, Harry used the programme to reignite his sporting passion and through exposure at the HITZ sessions developed not only a love of rugby but boxing.
He has set himself a target of becoming a full-time boxing coach and has received plenty of support from mentors on the programme.[LV:BCA1]
This, alongside the employability and numeracy training he has received on the programme, provides a bright future for Harry.
Having had problems with drugs and at school, Tom joined the HITZ programme where he rediscovered his love of rugby.
He gave up smoking and is now completing an extended work experience for Curo, a social housing project, with the aim of earning a full-time job. This would never have been possible without HITZ.
Stephanie was in a difficult living situation, away from her parents and in a YMCA in Stockwell.
She was struggling to complete her education, but since being part of HITZ she has gained work experience at a Fitness First gym and through the programme's links has a full-time job at a pub in Wandsworth with plans to develop a career in hospitality.
Sohail, had spent much of his life being excluded from sports because he suffers from cerebellar ataxia.
Through the HITZ programme he was able to take part in activities as well as believing he could earn long-term employment.
He currently sells programmes at Leicester Tigers and is working towards a role in the sporting industry.
Kendall entered the HITZ programme having had problems with drugs and self-harm.
After some initial difficulties, she came out of her shell and has gone on to study for a childcare diploma while working as a volunteer at Barnados. Her long-term aim is to go to university and become a social worker.
Joining the HITZ programme after being released from prison, Joe managed to overcome his intimidating attitude and grew immensely in a matter of months.
As a result of this change he's been able to enter full-time employment and is due to start an apprenticeship to become a qualified engineer.
All of the candidates shortlisted also act as fantastic role models for other HITZ participants in their area, who see their success and are motivated to set similar targets of their own.