Liam - Cardiff 2015

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SOHK's Must Watch Docs!

We’ve curated a short list of inspiring and thought-provoking sports-based documentaries - and School of Hard Knocks would know all about that having started as one! So, have a gander and stick something other than The Confession Tapes on the tele.
Back in the Game - England Courses

As a direct response to those who have lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, School of Hard Knocks have created a shortened, online and high impact version of our standard eight week course called Back in the Game
Control the Controllable

Controlling the Controllable is one of SOHK’s guiding principles. Life presents us with a mixture of elements that are outside and within our control. It is always more energy-efficient and rewarding to focus on those elements within our control.
SOHK does LEJOG!

Get fit and have fun this winter by taking part in our virtual challenge of cycling the length of the UK from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.

Joe's Story

Joe signed up to School of Hard Knocks’ Adult Course through a volunteering programme; he was both excited and anxious on his first day. Having become accustomed to a fairly isolated lifestyle, he found being in groups uncomfortable. Despite these initial concerns he felt welcome, valued and understood by the people around him. He found that he shared experiences with many other participants and could be himself without judgement. For the first time he felt like he was part of a team.
Jamie's Story

Jamie started on School of Hard Knocks’ Schools Programme just over a year ago. His behaviour had become unmanageable at school and he constantly found himself in trouble. Since starting the programme Jamie’s behaviour and way of thinking has changed dramatically. Jamie’s teachers not only find him much easier to handle, but have noticed that he contributes positively in lessons, asks insightful questions and has more respect for others.
Macy's Story

When School of Hard Knocks started working with Macy on the Schools Programme, she was getting involved in fights on a regular basis. Not knowing how to handle her behaviour, Macy's school recommended she get involved with SOHK. Each week the team found a new way to engage Macy more and more with the rugby sessions so as to help her improve her confidence both on and off the pitch. Macy now mentors other students, trains with Quins Girls Rugby and dreams of playing internationally for Wales.
Jo and Angela's Story

When we met Jo just under eleven months ago, her attendance at school was well below average. She had started to find it increasingly difficult to control her emotions, which in turn caused her relationships with peers and teachers to suffer. Eleven months since starting on SOHK's Schools Programme and Jo now feels much happier, more confident and secure in herself.
Lisa's Story

When Lisa started on School of Hard Knocks’ Adult Course, she felt as though she wasn’t doing anything with her life. She spent her days alone inside her house and had few people to talk to which impacted negatively on her mental health and caused her to develop poor self-esteem. Just under a year later and Lisa has completely transformed. She has gone back to playing rugby and has continued to meet up with her SOHK course-mate.
Karen's Story

When we met Karen in January, she had a lung condition called COPD which was gradually getting worse. She was a heavy smoker and was rarely active. Upon completing SOHK's Adult Course, Karen not only found a job that she now loves but also found an incredible passion for rugby. She decided to further explore her newfound love for the sport and took part in a homeless rugby initiative where she played at Murrayfield stadium during half-time between Edinburgh and Ulster in front of 5,000 fans.
Aggie's Story

The physical element of our Adult Courses was why Aggie started at School of Hard Knocks, but the people were why she stayed. She found that though her course-mates had different stories, their experience of life was very similar to her own. Aggie felt understood by the people around her which subsequently engendered a supportive environment for her to thrive and fulfil her maximum potential.
Meet Alissio

Have a read of one of our latest heartwarming success stories showing what can happen when we work together!
Ali's Story

When we first met Ali, he was very hyperactive and badly behaved in lessons, often shouting out and being verbally aggressive towards other pupils. One day he told us his story...
Meet Connor

The changes in Connor have been astounding and show the very best that SOHK can do. Connor himself has seen how he has grown and changed...