INSPIRING COMMUNITIES THROUGH RUGBY

A new and progressive high profile programme that is based in the heart of inner city estates targeting young people at risk of exclusion and anti social behaviour. Introducing them to tag, touch and contact rugby; we will utilise rugby’s unique ethos and the assets of the sport’s leading brands and players.

Using the power of rugby and the appeal of the England team, the Guinness Premiership Clubs and the Rugby Football Union in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, Active Communities Network and Wooden Spoon, the Hitz programme targets some of the most disadvantaged areas in London with plans to expand across the country.

Hitz nominated for Community Programme of the Year Award

Hitz has been nominated for the Community Programme of the Year Award at the Sports Industry Awards 2012. Wayne Morris, Head of Community at Premiership Rugby, said "Hitz has been running in the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Croydon, Ealing, Hackney, Hounslow, Islington, Newham, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets and Southwark and we're seeing some great results. It has been so successful that we're now planning on expanding the programme to other areas of the country this year."

Sally Pettipher, Campaign Director at the RFU said "HITZ constantly shows its value in the way young people on the programme are stepping up to the mark and making positive life changing decisions. Rugby union has the ability to do this through its Core Values – Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship."

The winning programme will be announced at the Sports Industry Awards Dinner on Wednesday 2nd May.