HARLEQUINS FOUNDATION INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG COACH WINS PREMIERSHIP RUGBY HITZ AWARDS 2024

Last night, an exceptional young woman from the Harlequins Foundation took centre stage at the Premiership Rugby HITZ Award 2024, a poignant ceremony held at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. 18 year old HITZ participant Mya, from Isleworth, was awarded the HITZ Physical Activity Award 2024 by Harlequins back row Jack Kenningham at the celebration of young learners, mentors and supportive businesses involved in the award-winning Premiership Rugby HITZ education and employment programme.

The inspirational achievements of 12 outstanding shortlisted individuals from across the country were recognised during the evening. A highlight of the Premiership Rugby calendar, the moving ceremony featured films capturing the journeys of all those shortlisted, showcasing their bravery, commitment and passion for using the HITZ programme to carve out brighter futures, often against all odds. Hosted by Topsy Ojo, and attended by Premiership players former Newcastle Falcons hooker Rob Vickers, Harlequins centre Lennox Anyanwu and back row backrow Jack Kenningham along with Saracens scrum half Ivan van Zyl, the night was one of pride and celebration of how much rugby can change lives.

Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead – Social Impact and D&I at Premiership Rugby said: “Congratulations to Mya on her well-deserved award win. HITZ’s impact over the past 16 years speaks for itself: 83% of participants move into education, employment, or training immediately after completing the programme, and an impressive 90% report improved physical and mental wellbeing. 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.”

The HITZ Physical Activity Award 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.

Mya said on winning the award, “It feels like a really big achievement to win tonight. when I started HITZ I would have never seen myself standing in that room. I’m really proud of myself. I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone at the Quins Foundation for their support, especially Matt, Sheree (Cooper, Harlequins Prop) and George. Everyone has been so supportive in my whole journey and I could never have done it without them.”

George Green, Education and Employability Manager from the Harlequins Foundation who was amongst guests celebrating at the Allianz Stadium said; “We’re thrilled that Mya has won the HITZ Physical Activity Award. Her journey – using rugby to build a positive future for herself – is truly inspiring. To everyone at the Harlequins Foundation she was already a winner, but seeing her success celebrated by the entire rugby community at the awards is something special. Her award is testament to Mya’s courage, resilience, and drive to improve herself. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”

Mya’s HITZ Award win will be further recognised by Harlequins during Round 7 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby (29th Nov – 1st Dec) which is Community Weekend. Over the weekend, all games will be dedicated to Premiership Rugby’s award-winning community programmes, including HITZ and Project Rugby, and the tireless work of the community teams to change lives through rugby.

The Community Weekend aims to showcase the many, wide ranging benefits of being part of the rugby community – from improving physical fitness, health and mental wellbeing to social connectedness, developing relationships with other, building confidence or a sense of purpose, belonging and giving something back to others. By being one community, we are stronger.