Northampton Saints Foundation ambassador Jack Fleckney has seen his hard work and dedication to the Club’s HITZ programme recognised at this year’s Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards.
Fleckney was one of three nominees for the 2021 HITZ Champion Award, supported by CVC, which recognises the efforts of those who support young people within their community.
Jack has supported the HITZ programme since 2019 through his relationship with Northampton Saints Foundation, and has raised over £50k via world record achievements and attempts.
“The support that Jack provides is invaluable, and we are so proud that his hard work and dedication has been recognised. He genuinely cares and wants to help the young people on HITZ learn to overcome barriers so they can progress in life. His approach and experience are both invaluable to the support we provide the young people on the programme.”
Catherine Deans, Northampton Saints Foundation’s Managing Director
With the money raised by Jack, the Foundation is planning on providing new holistic classrooms to create positive learning environments for students. He is an inspiration in terms of his mental and physical strength, with HITZ students supporting him on his attempt to break the world record number of chin-ups completed in 24 hours.
His strength and power not only show in his physical accolades, but are also evident in his ability to deliver knowledgeable first-hand experience of problem-solving skills; a former Royal Marine Commando, Jack has the background to teach students how to work best as a team and his experience is invaluable.
Jack is relatable with a level-headed mindset and expertly presents his ‘seek, strive and conquer’ beliefs with students. By sharing his understanding of careers in the Marines and managing a gym, he teaches them how to prepare for and sustain employment to improve their life chances.
By empowering the students, Jack helps them to see how barriers can be overcome and that failure helps you grow. He is a big support when it comes to enrichment activities, and continually volunteers to attend providing a familiar face to create a safe and comfortable environment. Jack constantly encourages self-confidence and social interaction to help embed a culture of cohesion and inclusion.
HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship employability and education programme, supporting young people to make positive changes in their lives. Working with more than 2,000 14-23 year-olds across England every year, the programme uses rugby’s core values to develop the personal, life and employability skills of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Supported by the CVC Foundation and Wooden Spoon, and delivered with official education partner SCL Education Group, HITZ is delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby’s 13 shareholder clubs and has supported nearly 20,000 young people since it started in 2008.
