ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday Nov 21, 2012

Catch up with Ken Cowen and School of Hard Knocks

The School of Hard Knocks programme, backed by the likes of England’s World Cup winner Will Greenwood and ex-Wales captain Scott Quinnell, is currently in Croydon aiming to help up to 25 unemployed over-18s back into work.

The charity – whose work is televised by Sky Sports and is always popular when shared on Rugbydump – uses expert rugby coaches to get those on the programme playing sport, before going into the classroom to educate them on trying to find a job.

“We believe at School of Hard Knocks that one of the best ways to teach people responsibility and motivate them, give them a bit of steel in the backbone, is to get them to play rugby,” said the charity’s CEO Ken Cowen.

“So we use rugby as a vehicle for helping these guys into work. We are pushing them quite hard.

“In this climate there are people who are really well qualified with a fantastic CV and a great track record in terms of employment history and they are competing with them for jobs. If they don’t massively step-up in terms of the amount of applications they are making they are not going to get work.”

One of those taking part in Croydon is 25-year-old Jamal Campbell who is hoping for a career in the media industry. “I didn’t know how it was going to be because I had never played rugby before.

“But it has been brilliant. If I get a job I would recommend anyone to do it if they are unemployed.”

School of Hard Knocks take place year long, and isn’t only featured on the Sky Sports show. It’s a recognised charity and if you’d like to get inolved or help out in any way, please visit their website.

School of Hard Knocks is a social inclusion programme, tackling unemployment and social disengagement through sport. Visit www.schoolofhardknocks.org.uk to find out more.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 83 WEEKS AGO

    Eben Etzebeth reponds to Bakkies Botha critisism...

  • 565 WEEKS AGO

    Steve Hansen discusses Andrew Hore incident...

  • 566 WEEKS AGO

    Italy vs Australia - Live stream



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok fans given a scare as Kolbe takes back-breaking hit

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Brian O'Driscoll unburdens himself with huge confession in classic Guinness advert

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 6 HOURS AGO

    Exclusive: 'The Aussie DNA is missing' - David Campese reflects on Wallaby exit and ponders the future of Aussie rugby

  • 9 HOURS AGO

    France give confirmation of Dupont return thanks to superhuman recovery

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Namibia captain’s World Cup over as he receives hefty ban following Dupont hit

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Kyle Sinckler surprises everyone with World Cup injury admission

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    The three key takeaways from the ‘Eddie Jones press conference’

View All