Mission Statement, Vision, & Strategic Priorities

Mission:

ADK Rugby Inc. (DBA Can-Am Rugby)

Our mission is to grow and support amateur rugby in Saranac Lake and the North Country. By organizing and operating the Can-Am Rugby Tournament, we generate resources that strengthen local rugby programs, expand access to the sport, and sustain the legacy of our home team, the Mountaineer Rugby Club.

Vision:

Build community through rugby in the North Country and provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience rugby.

Goals:

  1. Promote Rugby Development in the North Country
    1. Support the growth of local youth, amateur clubs and schools by engagement through rugby.
    2. Securing and maintaining relationships with the local community by promoting a positive and supportive presence of rugby
  2. Strengthen the Mountaineer Rugby Club
    1. Foster the success and stability of our home team as a leader in the community and region,
    2. Cultivate new players and leaders to carry on the club’s legacy, and
    3. Support local high school and college age players through an academic scholarship program.
  3. Ensure Long-Term Sustainability
    1. Maintain strong financial stewardship of tournament revenues and
    2. Invest in infrastructure, partnerships, and future leaders to secure the next 50 years of rugby in the North Country.
  4. Can-Am Rugby Tournament
    1. Continue to build the tournament as the premier destination for amateur rugby in North America, uniting people through competition, camaraderie, and community.
    2. Employ the Tournament as a vessel to promote rugby tourism and attract employable residents to the Adirondack Region for continued economic impact and sustainability.

Strategic Priorities & Outcomes

(2026–2031)

  1. Brand Recognition & Community Presence
    • Grow combined Mountaineers and Can-Am Rugby social media presence to
      250,000+ followers
    • Increase year-round rugby visibility through installations at local establishments,
      regional points of entry, and club facilities
    • Collaborate with national and international rugby organizations to expand
      recognition and strengthen regional rugby infrastructure

      Measure of Success:

    • Financial sustainability and reinvestment
    • Brand reach, partnerships, and community impact
  2. Player & Team Pipeline
    • By 2031: Full competitive rosters for Men, Women, MOB and OGMs with regular
      playing opportunities locally and regionally.
    • By January 2031: Established feeder programs for athletes, coaches, and
      referees for the Mountaineers. This would be accomplished through the
      development of a robust North Country Youth Rugby League and increased
      collaboration and support of the local college programs.

      Measure of Success:

    • Participation and retention across youth, club, and referee pathways
  3. Tournament Growth
    1. By 2031: Expand the Can-Am Rugby Tournament to 150 teams by:
      • Increasing participation opportunities for people with different abilities
      • Growing registrations in existing divisions
      • Expanding tournament opportunities beyond traditional Can-Am weekend
        dates
    • Measure of Success:
    • Tournament registration growth and division diversity

The Can-Am committee is excited to bring you the 52nd edition of Can-Am Rugby in Saranac Lake & Lake Placid. NY.

We look forward to having a great rugby weekend and returning you to the Adirondacks!

 

50th Annual Can-Am Rugby Recap

October 29, 2024

This summer’s event was the largest and one of the most successful events we have ever hosted, The Can-Am Rugby Tournament is no longer just a rugby tournament, it has transformed into a major Tri-Lakes Community Event. This summer we hosted 120 teams averaging 22.5 players per team from 30 states and four Canadian provinces.

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