Hinkley nominated for volunteer award
GLOUCESTER youngster Aaron Hinkley has been shortlisted for Premiership Rugby’s Community Volunteer of the Year award.
With the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Community Awards 2019 taking place at the House of Commons on Wednesday July 17, a specially-selected panel faced the daunting task of whittling down the nominations to a final three for the prestigious gong that recognises those volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community through their passion, determination and dedication.
Hinkley, who played for England at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship recently, has helped to mentor and deliver sporting sessions to Gloucester Rugby HITZ students, raising aspirations and supporting learners both within the classroom and on the rugby field.
He gives one-to-one support for students with their functional skills or coaching/gym instructor qualifications and also provides engaging and challenging sport sessions to a group who are usually sedentary and have issues with authority.
Jared Spence has been nominated for the Breakthru Achiever of the Year award through his work with Gloucester Rugby.
He joined Premiership Rugby’s HITZ programme after dropping out of school in Year 10, being home schooled and only passing his English and Maths qualifications.
Having suffered from anxiety, taking part in HITZ allowed the flexibility Spence required in order to complete his courses and not become overwhelmed.
As part of the HITZ programme, he was able to gain his gym instructor level 2 qualification and he now works and is on the path to becoming a personal instructor.