Our History

School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) was set up by Ken Cowen in 2009 and was established as a not-for-profit organisation in 2012. The first SOHK course was developed in Liverpool and sought to help young men from deprived backgrounds find and sustain employment by using the values and game of rugby as central components.

Sky Sports heard about the premise and impact of this course and quickly picked it up as a docuseries that followed the development of SOHK participants over nine series. It was at this time that School Of Hard Knocks was introduced to rugby legends Scott Quinnell and Will Greenwood, who fronted the programme for seven years. The final season of the TV programme aired in 2015 but for SOHK, the work was just beginning...

SOHK’s work has developed significantly to adapt to society's ever-changing landscape. Rugby remains central to SOHK's programmes and whilst our Adult Courses concluded in 2024, SOHK’s work is laser-focused on our School Programme. This three-year intervention seeks to improve the wellbeing and behaviour of young people to help them thrive.

In 2022, SOHK marked ten years of levelling the playing field for thousands of adults and young people across the UK. In 2025, Ken Cowen, SOHK founder and CEO was awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to sport and charity.

Check out our highlight reel below and consider supporting us as our mission continues.

Latest

When Confidence Clicks: Jane’s Journey

SOHK participant Jane lives with mild hearing loss in both ears. A setting like SOHK made her nervous at first - but then Jane discovered her own passion, power, and persistence - and it's paying off every single session.
To The Nines: Interview with Rhea Clarke

We interview Scottish Rugby player Rhea Clarke about what rugby has meant to her and about what charities like School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) mean for young players today.
A SLICE OF SIX NATIONS - SCOTLAND v IRELAND

Join the School of Hard Knocks charity for a thrilling Six Nations screening of the Scotland v Ireland Women's match, a complimentary welcome drink - beer, prosecco, or soft drink - plus free-flowing pizza throughout the game. All proceeds go to SOHK's life-changing work!
Testing Rugby Skills at Scotland Mini-Festival

In March 2026, we held our Scotland East and West Mini Rugby Tournaments - events which help our students put what they've learned into practice.

About Us

SOHK's mission is to empower children to realise their full potential. We envision is a society where every young person has an equal opportunity to succeed.
SOHK Schools Programme

The SOHK Schools Programme combines rugby sessions, 1-2-1 mentoring, and group discussions delivered by a consistent team of experts dedicated to supporting a young person's growth and potential.
Ken Cowen - Founder & CEO
Our History

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.
Become a regular giver

Become a Friend of SOHK and help change lives for the better. We support empower vulnerable children so they can create a positive future, but we need your support. Please donate just £3 per month and help us change the game.
Donate today

SOHK delivers life-changing schools programmes for secondary school-age young people across the UK. By fostering an environment of genuine acceptance, and physical activity, group and one-to-one support sessions, SOHK enables participants to find meaning and purpose in life. As a charity, we depend on generous donations to support our mission and extend our reach to young people whose lives can be transformed by our programmes.
Rosa Innes - Head of Partnerships, Scotland
Policies and reports

Policies and reports
Our Psychology

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.
Impact and statistics