School of Hard Knocks (TV series)


School of Hard Knocks is a social inclusion charity, which runs courses involving sport to tackle issues surrounding unemployment, antisocial behaviour, crime and health. Our work has been documented on a British television programme since 2007. Originally broadcast by Sky Sports, the show has recently been moved to Sky 1, and is currently in its sixth series.

The programme has seen contributions from Tony Blair, David Haye, Mark Prince, South African stars Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield, John Smit and Schalk Burger, Phil Larder, Jason Robinson, Shaun Edwards and many more. The current series is fronted by Will Greenwood and Scott Quinnell.

Series 1 was fronted by Austin Healey and set in Liverpool. Series 2 was set in North Wales, and series 3 in East London. (Both fronted by Scott Quinnell and Will Greenwood) The Rugby Union development programme 'School of Hard Knocks' is a social inclusion scheme that uses the game of Rugby to teach participants crucial life lessons and core values, initially designed to allow them to take forward steps into the world of employment. Since its inception the programme has grown to also address powerful issues such as health, crime and citizenship. The criteria for selection onto the programme differs between regions. As a general rule it is open to unemployed young men who are serious about undergoing a life-changing experience. Previous participants include people on ASBOs, straight out of prison, and those at a loose end. A huge amount of confidence building work is employed, and realistic aspirations and goals set. The average age of past participants is between 17 and 24, though older participants have been involved.

The primary aim is to find employment for troubled youths. The overriding aim of 'School of Hard Knocks' is to help unemployed people take significant steps towards employment that is both sustainable and realistic. Other aims include

Rugby elements of the programme: A key element of the programme is to introduce young men to the game of rugby union. This has the added potential benefits of promoting a healthy, sociable and active lifestyle. To address this, in addition to the employment section of the programme, 'School of Hard Knocks also addresses-

Due to the subjective nature of the programme it can be difficult to measure the success of the objectives. Short and medium term results of the programme are measured in terms of gaining interviews for employment, starting jobs, rates of re-offending, taking up-rugby, agreed health, fitness and mental wellbeing measurements.