Jack Walker is now a regular part of the Welford Road matchday team after first linking up with Leicester Tigers as part of the HITZ programme at the stadium.

The HITZ programme is designed to help 16-24 year-olds who are not in education, employment or training, using the game of rugby as a platform to support the development of their social, employability and vocational skills.

Delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby and funded by partners Comic Relief, Land Rover, CSL and Wooden Spoon, the course provides the building blocks for people to help them take control of their future and offering an opportunity to gain sporting qualifications alongside employability and money management skills.

Since coming through a year with the HITZ team at the stadium, Jack has become a matchday steward and been getting used to playing his part in a big team at Welford Road. His experience has also allowed him to work at the city’s racecourse in a similar role as he finds his way in the world of work.

More than 80 per cent of participants in the HITZ programme regularly report an increase in resilience, self-confidence and aspiration as a result of their involvement, and more than three-quarters go on to achieve a positive progression into further education, training or employment.

For more information om HITZ, click here.