why
rugby?
why rugby wins at sohk
rugby for the win
School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading sports-based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programmes. Its programme combines rugby with mentoring and personal development to help young people build the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
A game, for
every body
Through rugby, young people develop vital SEL skills such as communication, teamwork, decision-making and emotional regulation. Rugby’s uniquely inclusive nature means every body type, personality and ability level has a role to play, helping students build confidence, develop a sense of belonging and experience success.
Delivered by qualified coaches in a safe, supportive environment, every participant has access to a properly fitted OPRO gumshield, with first aid and specialist concussion support available when needed.
sports & sel
Through rugby, participants develop:
- A sense of belonging
- Teamwork, trust and positive relationships
- Emotional regulation and decision-making
- Confidence, achievement and enjoyment.
These experiences are reinforced through classroom sessions and mentoring.
SOHK TODAY
The SOHK model is designed for secondary-age students in the UK and combines:
rugby
sessions
Sport for resilience, communication & teamwork
1:1
mentoring
1-2-1 and group support from trained practitioners
personal
development
Personal development: grows confidence & skills for life
Together, these elements help students develop the skills and resilience they need to succeed in school and beyond.
tournaments
& experiences
SOHK’s school tournaments help students put their skills, confidence and teamwork into practice, while partner-led opportunities create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
Recently, our students went behind the scenes with the legendary Barbarians before walking out as official match-day mascots at Allianz! Read the full story on The Rugby Paper
“From the moment they arrived, SOHK’s passion made a positive impact on our students. The team’s welcoming and caring approach, combined with the structured environment of learning a new sport, successfully engaged a group of young people facing challenges. This is a powerful example of how sports-based mentoring and coaching can foster personal growth and positive social change in young individuals.”
– Teacher from a partner school — AY 2025/26
FAqS
Yes. Rugby is central to the SOHK programme, helping young people build resilience, teamwork and self-confidence. Sessions include a mix of rugby activities and games, with a focus on participation, inclusion and personal development rather than competition.
Students typically take part in 1 weekly rugby-based sessions throughout the programme. The programme is delivered during the school day in term term.
Sessions are usually delivered on school grounds, using playing fields, sports halls, playgrounds or other suitable outdoor spaces. We work with each school to make the best use of the facilities available.
Very little. Students should wear comfortable PE kit and suitable footwear, such as trainers or boots for grass sessions. SOHK provides all specialist rugby equipment required.
Safety is our top priority. All sessions are delivered by qualified and experienced practitioners using structured activities that are age-appropriate and risk-assessed. We follow robust safeguarding, health and safety, and first-aid procedures and adapt activities to meet students’ needs.
Although SOHK’s rugby activities are non-contact, any suspected head injury is taken seriously. The student is removed from activity immediately, assessed in line with our procedures, and the school is informed. The young person can only return to physical activity when it is safe to do so and in accordance with medical and school guidance.
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