22 May 2025, SCOTLAND - Over 175 students from nine schools across Glasgow, Fife, West Lothian, and beyond came together at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, for our third annual Spring School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) Scotland Rugby Festival. Held under sunny skies, the event brought together young people, staff - past and present - and volunteers in a vibrant celebration of teamwork, sport, and social-emotional growth.

Like any full-blooded rugby event, the day wasn’t without its high emotions and the occasional clash. But what stood out wasn’t the conflict, but how students responded. With the guidance of teammates and coaches, tense moments became teachable ones.

With incredible support from the Wooden Spoon Charity, referees from the Scottish Rugby Referee Society, and our long-time supporters at GROGS (Glasgow Rugby Old Geezers Society), it was a day to remember.

As Brian from GROGS noted: “All you need to do is look around the stadium at all the good and hard work you’ve done with these students to see the positive impact that has been made.”

This festival marked the culmination of a year-long journey through SOHK’s unique blend of rugby, 1:1 mentoring, and personal development. The day was a vivid reflection of the progress students have made in their social and emotional learning (SEL), confidence, and collaboration.

One SEL lead observed: “It was wonderful to see our groups working together in such a positive, healthy environment. The experience of competing with other schools has clearly supported real growth in our students.”

This impact is backed by student feedback, with participants rating the programme an average of 4.6 out of 5. One student shared: “I like School of Hard Knocks because I am spending a lot of time doing things I enjoy. I like the rugby and the coaches,” while another young person reflected, “SOHK has helped me by being confident with myself and having teammates.” 

Shining in school and on the field

A particularly inspiring story emerged from Clydebank, where one student was withdrawn mid-year by her parents to focus on her Maths grades. Determined not to lose SOHK, she convinced her parents to let her stay in the programme - on the promise that her academic performance would improve. She went on to do just that and shone brightly at the Broadwood Festival. Stories like this underscore the value of SOHK beyond the pitch: a space where young people learn resilience, commitment, and self-belief.

Teacher feedback further confirms the programme’s broad benefits. One teacher shared: “We’ve seen great improvement on and off the pitch from our pupils. I’ve loved hearing how excited they are to attend sessions and festivals.”

Schools have reported visible progress in self-esteem, engagement, and peer relationships. Rugby coach Morgan, one of three new team members in Scotland this year, commented, “The festival was a good display to show off the pupils within rugby, but also their sportsmanship, teamwork, and general collaboration - especially from schools that worked as one team.”

In schools like Craigmount High and Broxburn Academy, we’ve seen profound student progress - from those overcoming emotional barriers to groups engaging in mature dialogue around topics like drugs, social media, and anxiety. These conversations, coupled with targeted mentoring, help students build emotional literacy and resilience - skills that will serve them far beyond the rugby pitch.

Thank you to our team and supporters

Special thanks to the dedicated staff, former colleagues, and volunteers, and school partners who were there on the day to lend some valued support and who made the Broadwood Festival 2025 a huge success. The event as always, serves to reinforce SOHK’s mission: to use sport as a catalyst for connection, courage, and change. We’re proud of every student who took part - and we can’t wait to do it all again next year. But first, an ice bath!

🔗 Learn more about SOHK: www.schoolofhardknocks.org.uk