About us

A Home Club for All Athletes

Established in 1974, the Nor'Westers Athletic Association (NWAA) offers sports and recreation programs to the Edmonton Region (ages 3 through 65). Spring/summer programs include men’s, women’s, youth (under 5’s to under 18’s) rugby. Winter activities include hockey, wrestling, and fitness activities. Recreation, family, and social events are held throughout the year. Nor’Wester members have represented Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada as athletes, coaches, and administrators at events across Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Since inception the Nor’Westers have been active in hosting; city wide, provincial, national, international events/tours. At home and abroad via careers and through sport and recreation, we take great pride in promoting Edmonton and Alberta to the world. We are very proud to celebrate almost 50 years of excellence, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and competitive spirit in Alberta.

The Nor'Westers take their name from the culturally diverse group of entrepreneurs who formed the Northwest Trading Company. In the 1700s, men such as Alexander McKenzie and their guides, trapped and traded for furs while exploring and charting the Canadian Northwest establishing forts and the first settlements in Alberta over two hundred years ago. Many of these individuals formed the fur brigades that annually transported furs and goods by canoe across the country. Our crest and logo honour the fur-hatted trader/explorers and their native guides on a canoe voyage through forests and mountains on a Northwest River. Our enterprise and adventures honours their spirit.

Mission

To welcome and to provide a home Club for all athletes. To promote involvement in the game, provide rugby playing opportunities to individuals of all abilities and ages, and to develop player athletes to their highest potential. To provide a positive environment and premier facilities to foster the growth of the sport of rugby.

Vision

To provide the best possible rugby instruction giving each player, whether youth or adult, the opportunity to reach their individual potential. We strive to ensure that each player will be able to have fun, make new friends, experience the unique culture of rugby, and learn about participating positively in a demanding team sport.

core values

Respect | Teamwork | Discipline Excellence | Fun

goals

To build, from the ground up, an inclusive rugby club that sponsors all levels of play including youth, senior, and old boys/old girls programs;
To encourage the development of a rugby family ethos, providing the warmest welcome to new players and providing mentoring support for all;
To highly value volunteerism, fostering positive growth of the game and providing support of every club member both on and off the field;
To dedicate ourselves to the creation of a professional rugby organization with the highest quality coaching staff, and passionate and engaged members who will support its growth;
To develop championship rugby teams that have a solid club identity and access for our players to Rugby Canada's Developmental Pathway;