HITZ
Hitz is our award-winning education and employability programme dedicated to helping young people find a better future.
Delivered in partnership with Newcastle College and New College Durham we aim to change students’ views of education and employment, dispelling some of the myths around work and raising their aspirations.
We actively support students to work towards a formal qualification in either Sports Coaching or Uniformed Public Services from Level 1 to Level 3.
Whilst studying for their qualifications, the HITZ programme looks to support them both professionally and academically, giving them a well rounded experience at college with the aim that they become both more confident in both their personal and professional lives.
We’ll support young people with:
• Building their self-esteem
• Money management
• How to use social media in a positive way
• How to develop professional relationships
For more information about the programme or to find out how you can support HITZ contact our Social Inclusion Manager, David Shotton.
In the Spotlight
We want to shine a light on one person in particular who is encompassed the spirit of the Foundation. Reece Wray.
After the tragic losses of his father and grandfather, Reece joined HITZ at his darkest time mentally, with his confidence at an all-time low. Unsurprisingly, the events had impacted his relationship with his mother and his education suffered as a result. Reece left school with no Maths or English GCSEs and despite his best efforts, caused a further plummet of confidence that left his future path uncertain.
Once at HITZ, Reece grew in strength, embracing the programme and saying yes to every opportunity. Volunteering at his local rugby club and on Newcastle Falcons match days as mascot ‘Flash the Falcon’ as well as speaking in front of large groups, Reece has been pushed out of his comfort zone and demonstrated commitment to improving his confidence.
“I can’t wait for the future. I am motivated every day by what they Foundation has done and given me.“
With his change in attitude and passing his maths qualification, he now sees the value of focusing on academics first and allowing friendships to develop naturally at the appropriate time, rather than during classes at the detriment of others’ learning. Reece aspires to become a professional coach after discovering his passion for nurturing others in sports by mentoring U8s at his local grassroots club. This formed part of his Level 2 sports coaching qualification, and he now plans to progress to Level 3 on his quest to carve out a much brighter future for himself.
In 2023 Reece won the national Premiership Rugby HITZ Young Achiever Award and in 2024 secured a job at Tyneside Badminton Centre.
“I can’t wait for the future. I’m at Falcons coaching at the moment and I want to build my skills up and help the community as much as possible. I am motivated every day by what they Foundation has done and given me.”
