Two Newcastle College students and one Newcastle College teacher have been named on the shortlists for the annual Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards.
The awards ceremony, which will take place at Twickenham Stadium next week, is an annual celebration of young learners and mentors involved in the Premiership Rugby flagship education and employment programme, HITZ.
The shortlist of twelve nominees includes participants, staff, volunteers and supportive businesses who have engaged with the Premiership Rugby HITZ programme across the country, making a difference to their own life or to the lives of others.
Congratulations to Sports students Katie Bolton (shortlisted for the Academic Achiever Award) and Charlie Cree (shortlisted for the Physical Activity Award) and their tutor Kevin Esther (shortlisted for Champion Award).
The HITZ programme is an education and employability course that aims to re-engage young people using sport as a vehicle. In Newcastle, Falcons Community runs the HITZ programme in partnership with Newcastle College, supporting students studying for sports and protective services courses.
Jonny Rees, Director of Health, Science and Welfare at Newcastle College said: “I am delighted that this programme is receiving the credit that it deserves. Both Katie and Charlie have thrived over the past 12 months, and they fully deserve these nominations.
“Kevin is continually striving to get more out of the programme and ensure students actively engage with it to help them realise their potential. He is a true champion of HITZ and therefore thoroughly deserving of this nomination.
“We are very lucky to work with such a fantastic partner in the Newcastle Rugby Foundation, and to have access to the HITZ programme for our students.”
Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead – Social Impact and D&I at Premiership Rugby said: “Congratulations to everyone shortlisted for this season's HITZ awards. Over the past 16 years, the success of the programme has been undeniable, with HITZ helping over 83% of learners move forward in a positive direction. The HITZ Awards are a reminder of how much rugby can change the trajectory of young people’s lives and the incredible difference HITZ has made. Each person involved in the programme should take pride in the impact they've had, and I can't wait to celebrate together at the Allianz Stadium in November."
Charlie, Katie and Kevin will find out if they’ve won at the awards ceremony in London next week.