Run by Link Group Ltd, in partnership with The School of Hard Knocks and ng homes, the course saw 14 unemployed men and women, over 18 years of age from the Falkirk area, taking part in a programme that combined rugby training with life skills workshops.

Participants received fitness and rugby training from professional rugby coaches and players, as well as dedicated 1:1 personal and employability support. As part of the course projects workers from LinkLiving’s SmartLiving project and School of Hard Knocks coaches, taught life skills such as self-discipline, motivation, teamwork, leadership and employment specific skills such as interview technique and CV writing.

The programme proved to be a success, with a number of participants achieving a positive destination since taking part in the course.

Duncan Curran, a Link service user from Falkirk, credits his involvement on the programme for an increase in his confidence and his motivation.

He said: “I would recommend this course, I really enjoyed it and would love to do it all again.”

Since finishing the programme, Duncan has secured employment and has continued his involvement in rugby by ‘hooking’ up with a local club.

Due to the success of the programme, Link is currently exploring the possibility of running another course in Falkirk later in 2016.

Grant Alexander, Link Group Ltd’s employability officer, said: “The winning combination of rugby training and employability workshops proved to be an enjoyable and effective way of increasing the fitness levels and improving the job prospects of the men and women who took part. We thank SOHK for their time and commitment to making the course a big success.”