Jamie tells us about the unique and exciting opportunities available to young people on the HITZ Rugby programme.

29 June 2016

My journey at YG has only just begun but I have welcomed the opportunity with open arms and it has (already) taught me many lessons about myself, my colleagues and the people we are supporting at Young Gloucestershire.

You know those guys who you occasionally see in the office with shorts on, carrying all manner of sporting equipment and balls? That’s me. I’m a Programme Leader at YG and I am currently running the Hitz Rugby Programme in conjunction with Gloucester Rugby club. The programme is aimed at 16-18 year olds who are interested in sport or rugby and are not in employment, education or training (NEET). The programme aims to inspire young people to live a healthier lifestyle and pursue their dreams.

The programme offers a range of different qualifications, from Maths and English to Employability and Sports & Leisure, alongside numerous sports and activities such as rugby, football and basketball with qualified Nike coaches.

On a day-to-day basis I am responsible for planning and delivering sessions for the young people on the programme, assisting them with their travel, improving their money management and coaching them about different sports. In a wider sense, I am responsible for helping them develop new ideas and views on a range of issues such as healthy eating, sexual health, how to behave in the workplace, as well as facilitating discussions on topical and moral issues that they may be facing in their lives.

Alongside the more permanent Functional Skills and Employability sessions that ensure everyone on the course comes away with several qualifications that they did not have before, the Hitz Programme has fantastic flexibility to tailor each week to a particular extra-curricular activity. For example, with this group, we have been to Jumptastic, taken archery lessons and experienced wheelchair rugby to name but a few. Every Monday we have a discussion as a group on what we would like to do at the end of the week and then we plan it and do it. Last week we decided to make the most of the good weather and play some games followed by a picnic. Smashing!

I have been met many different young people from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and stories, which means that every day presents a new challenge and experience. I have loved working with the group and supporting them to shape their experience. We still have a lot more to accomplish but at the moment I am focussed on the last few weeks of my current Hitz programme and then I will be leading the NCS programme in the summer!