Saracens

Hitz is a new and progressive high profile programme that is based in the heart of Hackney and Islington estates targeting young people at risk of exclusion and anti social behaviour. Introducing them to tag, touch and contact rugby; Hitz utilises rugby’s unique ethos and the assets of the Saracens leading brand and players. Using the power of rugby and the appeal of the England team, the Aviva Premiership Clubs and the Rugby Football Union in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, Active Communities Network and Wooden Spoon, the Hitz programme targets some of the most disadvantaged areas in London with plans to expand across the country.

In its first year Saracens have delivered community rugby sessions in Hackney and Islington to over 200 young people on a weekly basis and provided some incredible experiences including a parade in front of nearly 50,000 spectators at Wembley, seeing Saracens narrowly miss out on the Premiership title and watch the London Double Header. A select team of the most committed new players represented Hitz in a beach rugby tournament-their first competitive rugby. The Saracens Hitz team will be taking on London Irish and Harlequins Hitz teams in contact games with a lot of the players then feeding into local rugby clubs.

If you know a young person or group that would like to come along to a Hitz session in Hackney or Islington or you would like to volunteer or coach on the project then contact Max on 07825868761 or maxmalkin@saracens.net or visit www.hitzrugby.com for more information and session details.