Impact

The School of Hard Knocks uses high impact sport to help people of all ages improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Earlier this year, the MCF awarded a grant of £92,000 to support their work in South Wales; the charity is using rugby and mentoring to help young people who are risk of exclusion.

Teaching discipline, confidence and communication

The School of Hard Knocks is harnessing the physicality of rugby to teach young people discipline, confidence and communication. Many of the young people supported by the charity have unstable and chaotic lives, and often lack a role model who can help them to set goals and achieve their potential. By offering coaching and mentoring over a period of three years, the charity provides consistency and motivational support that is vital to succeeding in school.

Getting results

The charity has an excellent track record in intervening at the right time, with 94% of students avoiding permanent exclusion and 100% going on to sit at least 5 GCSEs.

The School of Hard Knocks offers a unique learning environment which provides the practical and emotional support that is often lacking in their school and home lives, giving at risk young people the chance to discover their full potential.