Bath Rugby Foundation have teamed up with Leadership Challenges on a ground-breaking initiative which will see 10 youngsters taken on the journey of a lifetime.

The Andes Challenge programme is designed to create opportunities for young people who have had the toughest start in life.

The Andes Challenge will blend Bath Rugby Foundation's award-winning HITZ Programme with Leadership Challenges’ Young Leaders and Mentor Programme. The Andes Challenge, which will pair 10, 16-20-year-olds with 10 business mentors, will run through 2019 before culminating in Chile with a spectacular Cycle Challenge.

The scheme is designed to grow young leaders in a challenging and fun learning environment, help build self-esteem, confidence, resilience and courage in young people.

The 20 participants have been chosen and have started their training to prepare for the challenges ahead.

They will take part in weekly training sessions from now until November, when they will take part in a 14-day cycling challenge in Chile, which will put their newly-found skills to the test.

Bath Rugby Foundation’s CEO, Lynne Fernquest said: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with Leadership Challenges to provide this unique opportunity for the young people we work with.

“Many of the children we work are not starting out on a level playing field to other youngsters. Often we feel it is not that pitch is not level – many don’t have a field to play on at all.

“Bath Rugby Foundation exists to change young lives and the opportunity to train with and learn from a successful business leader both here in Bath and then on an adventure in South America will do exactly that.”

Founder and Chairman of Leadership Challenges, John Hall, said: “The Andes Challenge will change the lives of both the young people involved and the mentors they are paired up with.

“We are now seeking support from individuals and businesses for potential mentors and sponsorship and would be delighted to discuss the programme with any interested parties.

“This is a unique opportunity for you to be involved at the start of something new and will no doubt be extremely rewarding to mentees, mentors and everyone involved.”

For more information about the Andes Challenge email [email protected]

Learn more about signing up to the HITZ programme here