Hear from our families

Our son started rugby with both the Crusaders and Fortivus Academy last year at 8 years old, and he has loved every single minute of it. From day one, the coaching staff has set the tone with a positive, team-first culture that brings out the best in every kid on the pitch. What's stood out most to us is the camaraderie — the older players genuinely support and mentor the younger ones at practice, and that environment has done wonders for our son's confidence, skills, and love of the game. The coaches care, the players care, and it shows in how the kids carry themselves on and off the field. We can't say enough good things about this program, and we're grateful for the support our son has received from everyone involved.

My 9-year-old son joined Crusaders last year at age 8, and it's been one of the best decisions we've made as a family. The coaching staff has built a genuinely positive, team-first environment where the older and younger players push and support each other every practice. We couldn't be happier with the confidence and skills our son has gained.

The Fortivus Academy has been a game-changer for our 9-year-old son since he started last year. The coaches are top-notch — positive, focused, and committed to developing both the player and the kid — and the camaraderie across age groups is something special. We're thrilled with the program and the support our son has received.

…Crusaders Rugby has been a wonderful experience and continues developing skill sets that help our son grow as an athlete and leader. Many of the principals of rugby apply directly to tackle football, but also provides a unique experience to learn a new, fast-growing sport. In addition, the coaching provided by Nick Evans has been beyond impressive. He teaches fundamentals, supports new players' development, and builds team chemistry. We are a Saints Family and Crusaders family, and encourage participation in this rewarding experience”

…we've tried everything – soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, fencing – and he hasn't really loved any of them. A few of them he actually hated. But for some reason, he really likes rugby. He likes you guys, he likes his team mates, and he likes the sport. He has never complained about going to practice, and actually asked us when the next season of rugby starts.

…we're so happy to have found the Crusaders program! My son tried "all the sports" and didn't really connect with most of them. We were looking for something different that would really build on my son's skills and mindset. Coach Nick is a super engaged, creative and thoughtful coach, and our son really thrived under his encouragement. We've found the rugby community to be very warm and welcoming, and the vibe is really fun! We're looking forward to our son being a part of the Crusaders team again this year – we only wish it was available more seasons!”

Our son participated in the Naperville Saints program for 3 years and has always enjoyed the development that football provides. During the off-season, he was looking for additional opportunities, and was introduced to the Crusaders Rugby program by Coach Nick. It has been such a great experience, to participate under Nick's leadership and watch our son develop skills that translate to so many activities. Nick has created an environment of confidence, great teamwork, and consistent development all while teaching a largely unknown sport. Both football and rugby help support our family's love of sports; we are proud to be part of both programs and look forward to participating for years to come. We would gladly recommend, and encourage, the Crusader's Rugby program to any current Saints players”

As a parent, you hope your kids find something they enjoy. What I never expected was how much rugby would shape who Braeden is becoming.

Braeden started rugby by attending a free two-day clinic in 7th grade. He was shy, quiet, and barely talked that first season. But the coaches believed in every athlete on the team and took the time to develop his potential. Looking back now, it's hard to believe how much has changed.

Braeden fell in love with the game! He just finished his freshman year, started varsity on Warriors Rugby. And this week, he played on the Midwest Thunderbirds team that won the Mount Invitational Tournament. He traveled to Washington, competed against some of the best players in the country, and started conversations about future college opportunities.

While those accomplishments are exciting, they aren't what I'm most grateful for.

What means the most is the person he's become because of the people who invested in him along the way.

Thank you to the coaches and mentors with the Naperville Warriors, Crusaders Rugby, and Fortivus Rugby. You didn't just teach Braeden how to play the game, you challenged him, believed in him, encouraged him, and helped him build confidence in himself.

You've taught him discipline, accountability, resilience, respect, leadership, and what it truly means to put the team first. You created an environment where kids are expected to work hard, support one another, and become better people, not just better athletes.

The shy seventh grader who barely spoke has grown into a confident young man who is willing to step outside his comfort zone, travel across the country, build friendships with teammates from all over, and believe in himself in ways I never imagined.

As parents, we can teach our kids a lot, but having coaches who reinforce those same values is priceless.

Thank you for seeing potential in Braeden long before he saw it in himself. The impact you've had reaches far beyond the rugby field, and our family will always be grateful.

If your child has ever thought about trying rugby, go to the clinic. Give it a chance. You never know where that first practice might lead or how many lives it might change. 💚🏉

When my son first started playing rugby through the Crusaders program, it was something he tried in middle school to stay in shape and support some of his other athletic interests. Over time, rugby became much more than that, it has become his passion. The coaches really take the time to learn who each athlete is as a person. Of course, they want the players to compete and succeed, as winning is always fun, but the culture of this program feels bigger than that. The coaches are helping these kids develop confidence, discipline, leadership, resilience, and a sense of responsibility to their teammates.

As a parent, I especially appreciate that players of all skill levels are given opportunities to grow and contribute. My son naturally brings energy and encouragement to those around him, and the coaches have recognized that as a leadership strength. They have helped him channel that presence positively, challenged him to keep growing, and supported his continued maturity as both an athlete and a young person. Those lessons matter on the pitch, but they also matter well beyond rugby.

My son's progression from the Crusaders to the Warriors program, including off-season training through Fortivus, has given him a clear and meaningful path for continued development. He has been challenged physically & mentally, but always in an environment that feels supportive, grounded, and genuinely invested in the athletes.

The Evans family and the coaches have built something really special. As a parent still learning the game myself, I have always felt welcomed and included. I have never felt pressured to participate, but the community is the kind that makes you want to help because you can see how much care and effort goes into it.

The games are exciting, the camaraderie is real, and the culture is unlike anything we had experienced in youth sports. I highly recommend this program to any family considering a sport, whether their child is brand new to the rugby or looking for a place to keep growing as an athlete and teammate.