For over 16 years, HITZ has been Premiership Rugby’s flagship employability and education programme, using the values of rugby to support young people in transforming their lives.
Delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby’s shareholder clubs, HITZ has provided a vital pathway for 25,000+ young people across 17 towns and cities, helping them gain qualifications, develop employability skills, and build the confidence to take their next steps.
From boosting self-esteem to providing City & Guilds qualifications, from engaging workshops to work experience and enrichment activities, HITZ has been a lifeline for thousands of 16–19-year-olds who needed a fresh start.
As HITZ has evolved, clubs and Foundations now have the opportunity to carry HITZ forward in a way that reflects the needs of their communities, while staying true to its values and mission. View the announcement here.
At Northampton Saints Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that the HITZ ethos continues to thrive across our county.
To achieve this, alongside our impactful Employability programmes, which aim is to reduce NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates and close local skills gaps, we are working closely with training providers and mainstream colleges to form a partnership model that will extend the HITZ legacy and maintain its impact for local young people.
Early discussions have been extremely positive, with partners recognising the continued need for this kind of support.
Together, we aim to ensure that young people in Northamptonshire have access to opportunities that help them grow in confidence, develop employability skills, and take positive steps towards their future.
Alongside this, the Foundation has re-partnered with West Northamptonshire Council for a second year of funding to deliver a wellbeing programme, designed specifically for those who would traditionally access HITZ. While this is a non-accredited pathway, it provides a vital bridge into future provision, ensuring that no young person is left behind.
The HITZ spirit lives on through the Northampton Saints Foundation, ensuring that the next generation of young people have the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Read the full HITZ impact report here
