Hitz Rugby is primarily aimed at 11-19 year olds who are not in education, employment or training. It is the UK’s largest Rugby Union social inclusion and employability programme with 12 Premiership Rugby Clubs across England taking part as well as 600 Premiership players and role models involved in the programme. Aiming to provide opportunities for those taking part to move towards individual goals, it also encourages participants to take part in sports regularly.
“The idea came about because it is often thought that there is a negative relationship between the police and local youths,” said Met Police Officer Jamie O’Sullivan, a member of the Safer Neighbourhoods team. “As Police Officers we want to break down a few barriers with students at the college and this offers us a fantastic opportunity to do that. There are members of the Youth Engagement Team, a few PCSOs and the Safer Neighbourhoods team here to engage with the students.”
“It’s really good of the Police Officers to give up some of their time to come down here and the Sports students really loved taking part in the event,” added Lauren Gaylor, Curriculum Coordinator for Leisure, Health and Public Services. “As part of a community engagement activity, it’s really encouraging to see the students having so much fun!”