In Conversation with Ken Cowen (Podcast) by The Rugby Business Network

CEO of School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) Ken Cowen, discusses how this UK based charity was created in 2007 and tackles issues surrounding unemployment, crime and poor health and assists people to take positive steps forward in their lives by playing rugby. Ken explains how SOHK has two separate courses, the first assisting school children for a period of three years and the other being an eight week course for adults and the way in which they are either referred or approached to take part in the program. The course is a combination of playing rugby and a curriculum supported by psychological theories to help the people involved think about their futures, Ken clarifies and is a physical, mental and emotional challenge for each person over the eight weeks, which culminates is a rugby match against a top league side and a job transfer.
Ken says the charity does not deal with a particular type of person, both male and female, that take part in the course, which can range from hardened criminals to regular people searching for a job. SOHK has a success rate of about 40% of the people who complete the course finding a job afterwards, but Ken insists that it is more than just about being employed. It is about taking people forward and giving them a sense of purpose again, and Ken says about 90% feel this way at the end of the course. Ken also talks about the course for the school children, who have behavioural issues and are disconnected from mainstream education and why a three year program is required to make a difference in their lives.
The SOHK course can also be done through boxing and strongman training, however Ken highlights why rugby is so effective, as it provides friendships, assists in overcoming fear and dealing with conflict. Sky Sports had been involved with the charity for a number of years, by filming nine series for TV to showcase the incredible work being done. Ken however says there are times when businesses and individuals assume SOHK is funded by Sky, whereas the truth is that the charity requires the same sort of fundraising and support as any other charity.
Ken shares two emotionally touching stories of how the charity made a significant impact in a particular refugee child’s life and how a group from the adult’s course formed an incredible bond with a teammate, who sadly passed away and are still helping his family that he left behind. SOHK is a charity partner of the Rugby Business Network and Ken says the greatest lesson he has learnt from being involved with the organisation is the spirit of always asking ‘how can we help you?’ Ken says funding, having the opportunity to network with people who have particular skills such as marketing and sales and having people offer their assistance by becoming an ambassador, are the areas in which the charity can be assisted.
www.schoolofhardknocks.org.uk