School of Hard Knocks uses sport to tackle unemployment, crime and poor health. We help people take positive steps forward in their lives.

We run two main interventions as a charity, using our unique methodology - controlled confrontation, challenging activities and a constant affirmation of self-worth.

Using boxing, rugby and strongman training, we work with unemployed adults to help them find and sustain employment. Sporting activity and a detailed curriculum of employability and life skills prepares participants emotionally and intellectually for the work place, over an intensive 8 week course.

In schools, we offer weekly mentoring and rugby coaching to children identified as at-risk of permanent exclusion or educational disengagement. Our expert rugby coaches also act as mentors, forging strong bonds with members of the School of Hard Knocks team and mentoring them to help their attendance, behaviour, well-being and attainment at school. The programme is offered for up to three years, to provide crucial consistency in what are often unstable and chaotic teenage lives.

Find out more at http://schoolofhardknocks.org.uk/