London Scottish is pleased to announce that in association with main sponsors Deutsche Bank we will be hosting a schools’ version of the immensely popular Sky Sports television show, ‘The School of Hard Knocks’. The initiative, which started on Tuesday, will form an impressive Corporate Social Responsibility programme, the likes of which are only normally associated with the Premiership’s largest clubs.
The adult version of School of Hard Knocks, which many avid rugby followers will be aware of, is now heading into its fifth series on Sky Sports. This particular scheme is aimed at 13-14 year olds who are pre NEET candidates (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and from disadvantaged or socially deprived backgrounds. Like its adult counterpart the endeavour is to transform the lives of participants using rugby as a medium.
Participants will be selected from London schools and brought on site to the Richmond Athletic Ground during school hours for an intense 8 week programme. Through a structured curriculum of coaching, personal development and classroom based activities, calling on experts from different fields, it challenges the participants to recognise the importance of working as a team, as well as overcoming the barriers of fear, confidence, aggression, discipline, responsibility and adversity. Rugby values are used throughout to relate life skills and personal development with the aim that the participants take away these aspects and apply across their futures. A significant emphasis is placed on levels of physical activity and the embrace and maintenance of a healthy and socially positive lifestyle.
The School of Hard Knocks programme is headed up by former internationals Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell, Andy Gomersall is a Trustee of the programme, and London Scottish coaches and 1st Xv players will assist in the delivery.
We hope it will provide a significant opportunity to address and change social issues in local community.
A large thanks must go Deutsche Bank for their forward thinking and backing of the scheme.
Keep checking the website for regular updates as the programme develops.
To watch the initial video, please click here to head to the London Scottish YouTube page.
