![](https://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1a25d3fc-c1f8-45d3-9698-58fdc7453db2-hitz-jpg.webp)
Record number of participants on HITZ programme
The first term of HITZ is drawing to a close, and Falcons Community are really pleased to welcome 150 participants to the course.
In the first three months the students have covered a wide range of topics including communication, planning, social media, first aid and much more.
The students have gained more confidence as the weeks have gone on, with several waiting to start various work placements in the New Year. This will give the participants fantastic hands on experience, helping develop their employability skills and further enhance their CV.
Some of the students have started working through references supplied by tutors on the programme, including at the Falcons Club shop, Newcastle Council and Subway.
A few key highlights from the term include:
James, Level 3 participant, ran his first passing and shooting session with his fellow peers. He ran the sessions with great confidence and managed to hold his peers’ attention the whole time. After the session, James’ debrief went extremely well, with lots of positive feedback from his peers.
One of our HITZ participants, Ryan, currently works for Newcastle Falcons in the club shop to support his family with gas and electricity bills. Recently, Ryan’s boots fell apart, which meant he was unable to play sport with his peers, which is a large part of his ability to control his mental health. We want to say thank you to Rispin 2 Blues Foundation who helped us purchase a new pair of boots, allowing him to play sports once more.
Another key moment this term was Josh Evans, one of our HITZ Level 3 students, being awarded runner-up for a national HITZ Young Academic Achiever award.
To help support the HITZ programme, please [**click here**][1].
For more information please email david.shotton@newcastle-falcons.co.uk or george.spour@newcastle-falcons.co.uk .
[1]: https://newcastlerugbyfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/falcons-community-hitz-programme