Premiership Rugby has announced Warriors HITZ student Aaron Stanley as one of four finalists for its Young Achiever Award supported by Barclays.
The Young Achiever Award recognises a young person who has overcome barriers to achieve personal success and who has attained the greatest positive progression in their personal journey returning to education, training and employment.
Aaron’s time at HITZ has helped him to overcome huge confidence issues caused by bullying in school. He finds it easier to meet people and has a far greater self-belief.
He has also completed a gym instructing course while on the programme.
The multi award-winning HITZ programme uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self-reliance and confidence and gives them the skills to get back into education, apprenticeships and employment.
As a national HITZ partner, Barclays is supporting the Young Achiever award. This award will be presented at the inaugural HITZ Awards on 3 December.
HITZ Awards – Young Achiever shortlist
• Inaam Mohammed, Sale Sharks
• Emanuel Opoku, Harlequins
• Aaron Stanley, Worcester Warriors
• Relon Thompson, Northampton Saints
All of the candidates shortlisted also act as fantastic role models for other HITZ participants in their area, who see their success and are motivated to set similar targets of their own.
The HITZ programme tackles some of the greatest challenges facing young people today – unemployment, crime and disillusionment. Delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby and funded by national partners Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon, HITZ uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self-reliance and confidence. It gives them the skills to get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment. Visit hitzrugby.com to find out more.