Mya, a community programme participant from the award-winning Premiership Rugby HITZ education and employment programme, was recently awarded the HITZ Physical Activity Award 2024 at the annual HITZ awards ceremony. Honoured for her passion and dedication to using rugby to better herself and her futures prospects, Mya’s achievements will now be celebrated this weekend during the Community Weekend Round 7 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby (29th Nov – 1st Dec).
This special weekend celebrates the award-winning community programmes run by Premiership Rugby in collaboration with its 10 clubs and club foundations. During the weekend each club will showcase their commitment using rugby to change lives. All clubs share close, meaningful connections with the communities they serve, and use rugby to inspire, uplift, and create positive opportunities for local people. Everyone is welcome in the rugby community and together offer support, build confidence, boost mental well-being, and create a true sense of belonging.
The HITZ Physical Activity Award which 18 year old Mya, from Isleworth, won recognises a young person for their progress and development towards leading a more active and healthier lifestyle both on the HITZ programme and in their personal lives.
Mya struggled in school, severe anxiety impacting her attendance and engagement. Yet despite these challenges, she achieved good GCSE grades.
Having developed a passion for rugby after playing at school, HITZ provided her with a route to channel sport to increase her confidence and help plan for the future. Through the mentoring plan the HITZ team put in place with one of the Harlequins Women’s squad members, Mya’s communication skills and confidence improved. She also gained coaching experience by shadowing the player, led group sessions, and adapted drills for players which highlighted her development.
Impressing HITZ staff with her work ethic and leadership skills, Mya’s transformation saw her deliver coaching sessions, speaking publicly, and culminated in the offer of a paid coaching role at the Harlequins Foundation whilst at the same time adding to her qualifications in sports coaching and physical education.
Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead – Social Impact and D&I at Premiership Rugby said: “Mya’s story shows how developing a passion for the game can be truly life changing – she has gone from being a struggling student to an inspiring young rugby coach. Mya should feel incredibly proud of how far she has come and on her well-deserved HITZ award win.”
HITZ began in a field in Hackney back in 2008 and has evolved into the education and employability programme that operates today with the support of the Premiership clubs and Foundation. In that time, it has supported over 24,000 young people re-engage with education, secure apprenticeships, or find meaningful employment.
