Our latest report celebrates what we achieved with young people in 2024/25 - and the partners and supporters who made it possible. Read more
Join us for an exclusive day of golf, prize giving, and fundraising at the stunning Kingswood Golf & Country Club in Surrey, with a select group of rugby legends - players, officials, and commentators on Friday 26 June 2026. Read more
The SOHK Think Tank collective are members of the SOHK community who have expertise in a range of disciplines. We will be publishing practical and accessible articles every month from this collective. These articles will ask key questions, that when answered, will help coaches, mentors and managers in schools, Non Governing Bodies and any sports-based interventions to become more effective, day to day. Read more
This Christmas, double the impact of your generosity with our 'No Presents' Match Giving Campaign, where every pound you donate is matched by dedicated supporters. Read more
Are you passionate about making a difference through sports coaching and mentoring? Do you want to help young people thrive through the power of rugby? Then join SOHK and become part of our team! Read more
Are you passionate about making a difference through sports coaching and mentoring? Do you want to help young people thrive through the power of rugby? Then join SOHK and become part of our Glasgow team! Read more
Dedicated SOHK supporters and brothers Oliver and Luke Kemmis are taking on the Fire and Ice Ultra Marathon in Iceland - an extreme 250 km race across rugged terrain. Why? To raise vital funds for SOHK and support our mission to help more young people! Read more
Dedicated SOHK supporter and former rugby player, Anthony Russell is taking on the Centurion South Downs Way 100-mile race to raise vital funds for our work on 14 June 2025. Read more
Havant RFC has organised a cycling challenge in support of SOHK on 13 & 14 June 2025 tackling a stunning anti-clockwise circuit of the Isle of Wight and back over two days - simply amazing! Read more
School of Hard Knocks has been selected as Havant RFC’s Charity of the year for its 2024/25 season by its members, players, staff and volunteers. Read more
The Trying Together Challenge is a 3 hour game of continuous touch rugby - with rolling subs of course! This event is designed to engage students, foster community spirit, and raise funds so that School of Hard Knocks’ can run its Schools Programme in more deprived areas. Read on to find out why this event is a perfect fit for your school. Read more
School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) works with over 30 schools in high areas of deprivation across the UK. We are looking for a number of Independent Schools to become SOHK Educational Partners so that no child is left behind due to a lack of funding. Read more
School of Hard Knocks takes pride in recognising the outstanding contributions of our generous donors who have played a pivotal role in supporting our mission. Our Honours Board celebrates their remarkable commitment to our beneficiaries. Read more
Partner with School Of Hard Knocks and help us transform the lives of young people across the U.K. Read more
All of School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) activities are underpinned by 'the 3Cs'. This framework was originally developed by Dr. Chris Harwood and Dr. Karl Steptoe as a coaching methodology for youth football that incorporated life skills development. Over the years, School Of Hard Knocks has drawn on this evidence-based practice and applied it to SOHK Programmes. The 3Cs seek to improve an individual's confidence, control, and connection. Read more
School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) was set up by Ken Cowen in 2009 and established as a not-for-profit organisation in 2012. Initially set up to help individuals find and sustain employment, SOHK has developed significantly over the years in order to adapt to society's ever-changing landscape. Read more
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SOHK Cymru’s exciting new partnership wIth The Prince’s Trust Cymru The past 10 years have seen School of Hard Knocks work with a number of different delivery partners to successfully reach and support more adults and young people across our UK bases. This year we are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Prince’s Trust Cymru, who are working with 16-25 year olds through their Explore programme. Read more
The School of Hard Knocks is delighted to announce a new partnership with VISTA (Valleys Innovation Showcase for Technological Advancement), a new business support initiative in the Blaenau Gwent region. Read more
We are thrilled that Quartz have selected us as their Charity of the Year for 2022/23. Quartz are Project Managers, Cost Consultants and Building Surveyors offering expert advice on all aspects of commercial and residential construction. Read more
We are delighted to welcome Admiral as our new partners in celebration of SOHK’s 10th Anniversary. Read more
SOHK Scotland is delighted to announce a three-year sponsorship of the SOHK for Schools programme by international investment management firm, Baillie Gifford. Read more