Robin Powell nominated for HITZ Champion Award

Powell became involved with the HITZ programme to help young people understand that no matter what walk of life you come from, you have something to offer. He uses his company in Bristol to help students gain valuable work experience and real work opportunities and these genuine opportunities are impacting the life chances of many HITZ students. He is shortlisted alongside representatives from Bath Rugby and Northampton Saints.

The HITZ Champion Award is one of four awards celebrated annually and recognises special individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to support HITZ participants. Support comes in many forms; helping young people from a chaotic background to build a better future; teaching the learners employability or money skills to increase confidence in their prospects; engaging with them outside of the HITZ classroom to help them improve their sporting, personal and social skills.

CVC Marketing and CSR Manager Jane Howard was among those who helped create the shortlist and said the work that all three men undertook was worthy of recognition.

She said: “These people are providing unique skills voluntarily, and it is critical to any young person’s learning,

“Anything that gives them the skills to stand out in a crowd, whether it be social or technical skills, helps create an all-around good grounding in life. These volunteers and supporters are giving young people the kind of edge which they wouldn’t otherwise get. 

“Giving young people the tools but also the belief that they can do something great, and giving them the opportunities to progress, is impressive. They’re all helping with the signposting to employment, using their network and relationships and trusting these young people which is not something most people would do.”

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s award-winning education and employability programme which, with the help of its partners the CVC Foundation and Wooden Spoon, and official education partner SCL Education Group, works with more than 2,000 14–23-year-olds across England every year, and is delivered nationally by 13 Premiership Rugby Clubs.

Using rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship, HITZ works to get young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) back into education, training, apprenticeships and/or employment.

The winners of all the HITZ awards will be announced on 17 November. #HITZAwards

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship employability and education programme, supporting young people to make positive changes in their life. Working with more than 2,000 14-23 year-olds across England every year, the programme uses rugby’s core values to develop the personal, life and employability skills of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).  Supported by the CVC Foundation and Wooden Spoon, and delivered with official education partner SCL Education Group, HITZ is delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby’s 13 shareholder clubs and has supported nearly 20,000 young people since it started in 2008.