Not only are they playing in the four-week tournament, but the Hitz participants are also helping with the League's organisation, marking out pitches, processing referee and score cards, meeting and greeting teams and tidying up once the night's matches are over.
"I've been really pleased with how the youngsters have thrown themselves into the Touch League this year, both in terms of playing as well as helping out with the organisation," Goode commented.
"We entered a Hitz team last year, and all of the players who were involved then have progressed a massive amount in the last 12 months. But it's also clear how much they have developed as a group and there is a strong bond between them, something which probably wouldn't have happened without the Hitz programme.
"As well the classroom sessions at YMCA Training, we've done group work at Unit 22 Crossfit Northampton and playing rugby throughout the season.
"What has been really pleasing to see is the number of the youngsters who have used Hitz as a stepping stone into further education, and we've also had volunteers to help establish the programme in Corby in the past few weeks."
The Summer Touch League is being held at BBOB RFC in Northampton, with matches starting from 6:30pm every Monday throughout July. The bar is open and all are welcome to come and watch - and maybe join a team, too!
HITZ Northampton is a progressive, high profile programme delivered by Aviva Premiership Rugby club Northampton Saints, YMCA Training and the Wooden Spoon Children's Charity.
The HITZ programme targets young people at risk of exclusion and anti-social behaviour, introducing them - often for the first time - to touch and contact rugby. HITZ Northampton provides participants with the opportunity to access personal and social development programmes, educational support, vocational training programmes and workforce development Apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities
The programme is funded by community-minded businesses including the QBE Foundation, Travis Perkins, JP Morgan and The Wilson Foundation, as well as Sport England.
