New to Crusaders?

Welcome to the Crusaders Rugby Club – or “The Cru” as our players and families call it.

We’re the largest rugby club in North America, but what our members talk about most isn’t our size – it’s the feeling of belonging:

“Such a great community of people… brings us out to meet new people that also enjoy rugby.”
“My kids just did their first Cru Rugby Camp and had the best week. I felt very safe sending them there.”

This page is your quick start guide if you’re new. You don’t need any rugby experience – just a willingness to jump in.

1. Who We Are (In Plain Language)

• Community club, not a business
  We’re a non-profit, volunteer-run club in Oakville. Parents, alumni and players mow the fields, run the bar, coach the kids and organize events.
• Ages 4–74, all shapes and sizes
  We have programs for:
  • Minis: U6, U8, U10
  • Youth: U12, U14 Boys, U14 Girls
  • Juniors: U16 Boys, U18 Boys, U16 Girls, U18 Girls
  • Seniors: Men & Women (18+)
  • Recreational Touch Rugby: Men’s & Women’s touch
• Our values
  We care about:
  • Community and belonging
  • Respect and sportsmanship
  • Participation and development, not just winning

“Mentoring, Encouraging, Communicative, Friendly… Good role models.”

2. Step 1 – Find the Right Program

Use this as a simple starting point. (Age groups are based on birth year; Rugby Ontario rules apply – we’ll help you place your child correctly.)

Minis (Ages ~4–9)

• U6, U8, U10 – Co-ed, non-contact/modified contact
• Focus: Fun, running, passing, teamwork, basic skills.
• Perfect for: Kids brand new to sport or trying rugby for the first time.

Learn more:
Minis Rugby: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/minis/

Youth (Ages ~10–14)

• U12 Modified Contact (Co-ed)
  • Gentle, progressive introduction to contact in a very controlled way.
  • Builds on U6–U10 skills, but also very suitable for complete beginners.
• U14 Boys / U14 Girls (Intro to Contact)
  • Full rugby concepts with age-appropriate contact.
  • Strong focus on safety, technique and confidence.

Learn more:
Youth Rugby: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/youth/

Juniors (Ages 15–18)

• U16 & U18 Boys / Girls
  • Competitive league play across Ontario.
  • Many players go on to provincial and national teams – but beginners are still welcome.

Learn more:
Juniors: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/juniors/

Seniors & Touch (18+)

• Senior Men & Women – multiple teams from highly competitive to social.
• Touch Rugby – non-contact, social rugby for adults.

Learn more:
Seniors: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/seniors/

Camps vs Rugby Programs – What’s the Difference?

• Rugby Programs (Minis/Youth/Juniors/Seniors)
  • Run mainly May–September (plus fall 7s and winter/off-season options).
  • Practices + games in leagues and festivals.
  • You register as a club member for the season.
• Summer Camps (Ages 4–13)
  • Week-long day camps in July/August.
  • Mix of rugby, multi-sport and games.
  • Great for kids who want to try rugby in a fun, camp setting.

Learn more:
Summer Camps: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/summer-camps/

3. Step 2 – Register

All registrations go through our main registration page:

Register here:
https://crusadersrugby.club/registration/

4. Step 3 – What a Typical Week Looks Like

Exact days/times vary by age group and season, and are managed through TeamSnap. You’ll be in the loop with:

• TeamSnap (once you’re registered)
• Events calendar: https://crusadersrugby.club/events/

As a rough idea:

• Minis (U6–U10):
  • 1–2 evening practices during the week.
  • Festivals/tournaments on some weekends.
• Youth & Juniors (U12–U18):
  • 2 practices per week.
  • 1 game per week in season (often evenings or weekends).
• Seniors:
  • 2 practices per week.
  • Saturday games.

For a full visual calendar or to subscribe to schedules, please refer to:
https://crusadersrugby.club/events/.

5. Step 4 – What Your Child Needs (Gear Checklist)

Every program can accommodate beginners. You do not need to buy everything on day one, but here’s the simple list.

For Practices (All Ages)

• Comfortable sports clothing (t-shirt, shorts, leggings, etc.)
• Cleats (soccer or rugby style – recommended once fields are dry)
• Mouthguard (strongly recommended for all, required for contact)
• Water bottle with name on it

For Games

• Club jersey – provided by the club on game days.
• Black shorts and socks – available from the club shop.
• Mouthguard and cleats.

You can buy Crusaders kit and apparel here:
Club Shop: https://clubshop.crusadersrugby.club/

If you’re unsure, start simple – your coach or team manager will help you figure out what’s needed for your age group.

6. How Communication Works

Once you’re registered:

1. TeamSnap Invitation
   • You’ll receive an email invite close to the start of the season.
   • This is where you’ll see practices, games, and RSVP for events.
2. Email from Coaches/Managers
   • Age-group coaches and team managers will send updates, reminders and any last?minute changes.
3. Club-Wide Updates
   • Newsletters, social media and the website share:
     • Events (Six Nations viewings, fireworks, socials)
     • Camps and off-season programs
     • Volunteer opportunities

For the full club events calendar:
https://crusadersrugby.club/events/

7. Safety, Injuries & Concussions

For any injury or medical concern, you should always seek professional advice. AI is not suitable for diagnosis, management or treatment. At Crusaders:

• We have qualified athletic therapy support at the club.
• All concussions must be reported to:
  athletic.therapy@crusadersrugby.ca
• There are clear return-to-play protocols in line with Rugby Ontario and World Rugby guidelines.

If your child is injured or you have any concerns, please contact a medical professional and/or email athletic.therapy@crusadersrugby.ca for guidance.

8. Your Role as a Parent – This Is YOUR Club

We’re proud that members see Crusaders as their “third place” – not just a field they drop their kids at.

“People are friendly and the place belongs to you as much as anyone else. Please jump in!”

You’re encouraged to:

• Stay and watch practices from the sidelines.
• Sit on the deck, grab a drink or coffee, and chat with other parents.
• Bring siblings, grandparents and friends to games.
• Attend club events and socials.
• Treat the grounds as a community space – it’s your club too.

9. Volunteering – Easy Ways to Get Involved

The club runs on “volunteer fuel.” Our fields, events and teams all depend on parents and members pitching in.

You don’t need rugby experience. Some easy starter roles:

• Team Manager – help with emails, TeamSnap, organizing snacks or jerseys.
• Social/Event Helper – help organize a team BBQ, year-end party or tournament day.
• On-Field Helper (Minis/Youth) – support coaches with simple drills, tag belts, cones, etc.
• Club Support – photography, video, field setup, helping at events.

Volunteer Portal:
https://share.vomevolunteer.com/nUJhB8nzg0b

Even a few hours a season makes a big difference.

10. Still Not Sure Where to Start?

If you’re new and unsure which program is right or how to begin, the best next step is:

1. Visit our Registration page and review the age-grade options:
   https://crusadersrugby.club/registration/
2. Check the program pages for your child’s age:
   • Minis: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/minis/
   • Youth: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/youth/
   • Juniors: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/juniors/
   • Seniors: https://crusadersrugby.club/rugby-programs/seniors/