Teenager Joe Melfah from Worcester Warriors’ HITZ programme has been shortlisted for the prestigious national HITZ Young Achiever Award.
Joe is one of six finalists for the prize, supported by Barclays, which will be presented at the HITZ Awards on February 4.
The HITZ Young Achiever Award recognises and rewards the young person who, by overcoming a range of challenges, has worked the hardest to progress on their journey back to education, training or employment.
Joining the HITZ programme after being released from prison, Joe managed to overcome his intimidating attitude and grew immensely in a matter of months. As a result of this change he’s been able to enter full-time employment and is due to start an apprenticeship to become a qualified engineer.
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.
Barclays Assistant Vice President Vicky Lowe said: “Barclays is a partner of the HITZ programme as we see the impact it can have on young people’s lives. We have a global focus on supporting young people to get back into work and gain financial security and the shortlist for the Young Achiever Award is evidence of this.
“We are delighted to be supporting this award and showcase how rugby is getting young people back into work or education.”
HITZ Awards – Young Achiever shortlist
• Harry Davis – Bath Rugby
• Tom Hardy – Bath Rugby
• Stephanie Rawlings – Harlequins
• Sohail Khalifa – Leicester Tigers
• Kendal Morris – Sale Sharks
• Joe Melfah – Worcester Warriors
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 award-winning 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. Please visit hitzrugby.com to find out more.