Inspirational Exeter Chiefs star shortlisted for a 2023 Premiership Rugby HITZ Award

Callum Douglas from the Exeter Chiefs HITZ programme, has been recognised for his achievements on and off the pitch with a nomination for the Academic Achiever Award at the this year’s Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards.

A young star with a story of self-discipline, commitment and courage, Callum has worked against all odds to improve his own life and the lives of others within the inclusive environment, fondly referred to by its participants as the ‘HITZ family’. 

This award recognises the journey a young person on HITZ has taken in their academic development. It also acknowledges the personal pathway the learner has taken since joining the programme and how far they have come.

Angelique Aldworth, HITZ Manager from Exeter Chiefs said: “We are incredibly proud of Callum for being shortlisted and for his hard work which has been recognised.

"We have an amazing team here at Exeter Chiefs and we couldn’t deliver the HITZ programme without their support to set young people up for life, which has a positive impact not only on the individual but on our whole community “

Wayne Morris, Community & CSR Director at Premiership Rugby said: “Congratulations to all those shortlisted in this season’s HITZ awards. Over the last 15 years the success rate of the programme speaks for itself, HITZ has helped over 80% of the learners move on positively.

"The HITZ Awards are an annual celebration of just how much rugby can change lives and the difference HITZ makes. Everyone involved in the programme should feel proud of the impact that they have made, and I look forward to celebrating together at Twickenham in November.”

Callum joined HITZ with no educational qualifications and consequently, his self-esteem was at an all-time low.

As a young person diagnosed with autism and battling severe anxiety, he has historically struggled to ask for help, particularly in academic settings, with fears of being ridiculed or labelled as ‘stupid’. In just one year of being on the HITZ programme, Callum has committed to transforming this cycle of thinking and made remarkable progress. As well as achieving a level 2 qualification in Employability and a GCSE pass in Maths, Callum has been recognised by his tutor for possessing an outstanding writing ability amongst HITZ learners.

Since joining HITZ, Callum has achieved a GCSE grade 6 in English, compared to a grade 3 when he left at school. Making the most of what the HITZ programme has to offer, Callum consistently shows up as his best self and demonstrates the key skills of organisation and communication which are necessary for remaining focused on achieving goals. Optimistic for what is to come, he is using this second chance at education to broaden his prospects. Following HITZ, he aspires to work in a technology-based job alongside working towards further education qualifications in Media Studies. 

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme which for 15 years has supported young people to make positive change in their lives. Working with more than 2,000 14–24-year-olds across England every year, the programme uses rugby’s core values to develop invaluable personal, life and employability skills, that help young people get back into education, training, apprenticeships and/or employment.

Participants on the programme learn in an environment different to mainstream education where the core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are at the heart of the delivery. The results are life changing

This season, the HITZ programme celebrates its 15th anniversary.

HITZ began in a field in Hackney back in 2008 and has evolved into the education and employability programme that we see today. In that time, it has achieved some huge milestones including over 22,000 enrolments and 83% progressing immediately into education, employment or training after their time with HITZ.

The Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards 2023 take place on 22nd November at Twickenham Stadium.