Aberdeen Wanderers RFC has donated seven boxes of rugby boots and rugby clothes to The School of Hard Knocks Rugby Charity (SohK) in Glasgow to help players get into the sport.

School of Hard Knocks is a social inclusion charity which runs courses that use contact sport to tackle the issues surrounding unemployment, antisocial behaviour, crime and health.

Using a unique programme of challenging activities and values-based lessons, the charity teaches responsibility, motivation, teamwork, respect and discipline, and enables participants to take positive steps forward in their lives.

SOHK have partnered with ng homes (North Glasgow Housing Association) in Scotland for the last three years, and recently, they were awarded Big Lottery funding to deliver a partnership personal development project, called Pitstops, alongside School of Hard Knocks.

Pitstops uses the ethos and methodology of the School of Hard Knocks, and combines this with ng homes’ focus on regeneration.

Using sport as the engagement tool, and adding wider support and partnership work, Pitstops aims to support those facing multiple barriers towards employment to realise their potential and take positive steps forward in their life.

Pitstops is targeted at disengaged and disadvantaged participants who are out of work.

Alison Forsyth, Aberdeen Wanderers’ first aid convener, travelled down to Glasgow today, 13th July 2016, and met up with Greg Cann, SoHK’s Pit Stops Programme Manager, at their kit store in Springburn to hand over the donation.

“[Greg] was delighted to have so much kit and clothing and asked to pass on his sincere thanks to all in the club who had been involved.” said Alison.

Aberdeen Wanderers RFC are keen to keep up a close relationship with SoHK and hopefully we will be able to have a fixture against one of their teams in the near future, as well as continuing to support their rugby programme.

If you are interested in helping the School of Hard Knocks or just after some further information visit their website at http://schoolofhardknocks.org.uk/ or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sohkcharity/