Crusaders Player and Coach Development Hits Starfire: SRC & Rugby WA Team Up for Regional Development
The Seattle Rugby Club (SRC) was thrilled to partner with Rugby Washington (Rugby WA) last month to bring an unparalleled development opportunity to the region. This special collaboration featured Grant Keenan, a High-Performance coach from the world-renowned Crusaders Global Academy in New Zealand, for a high-impact player and coach development camp held at Starfire Stadium.
Elevating the Youth Game: Skills and Culture
The central event was a specialized camp designed for our local youth players and youth coaches. The goal was simple: provide access to world-class coaching methods and principles right here in the Pacific Northwest.
Attendees didn't just drill technical skills; Coach Keenan delivered an impactful message that extended far beyond the pitch. A key focus of the camp was on creating a positive culture within rugby programs—one that supports the whole individual. The message was clear and resonated deeply: our mission is to create "better people and better athletes." The camp was well-attended, and the energy surrounding the learning experience was palpable.
Direct Impact on SRC's Senior Programs
The learning opportunities extended directly to our senior athletes and coaching staff. The SRC men's and women's programs were incredibly fortunate to have Coach Keenan lead a dedicated session for our players.
More critically, he took time to shadow our existing SRC coaches during their sessions. This personalized, high-level observation and feedback is invaluable. It enables our program to grow and learn, ensuring we are continuously refining our coaching methods and maintaining a high-performance environment for everyone in the SRC family.
This successful partnership with Rugby WA and the Crusaders Global Academy underscores our deep commitment to elevating the standard of rugby across the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to seeing the knowledge and cultural lessons from Coach Keenan implemented at every level of our club and throughout the regional game. A massive thank you to Rugby WA for their collaboration!
Learn more about Crusaders Global Academy at www.crusadersglobal.com
About the Seattle Rugby Club
Established in 1966, Seattle Rugby Club (formerly known as Seattle OPSB and Seattle Saracens) is an adult rugby union club focused on the fifteens code of the global game. Seattle Rugby proudly promotes the sport of rugby in North America both on and off the pitch through community-focused efforts as well as performing on game day. The club provides opportunities for men, women, and young people to engage with rugby at all levels.
