Our Mission
Our mission is to unlock every athlete's potential through personalised, evidence-based coaching that emphasises technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and mental toughness. We envision a network of empowered Bay of Plenty athletes contributing to New Zealand's vibrant sports culture. From community participation to regional representation, Ultimate Skills NZ is Tauranga's leading multi-sport academy for aspiring young talent.
Brendon McKeown | Director of Coaching
A distinguished sports professional and World Rugby Trainer, Brendon combines over a decade of experience as a Secondary Schools Director of Sport with elite-level coaching. Holding a Bachelor's in Sport & Recreation (Exercise Science) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, he bridges the gap between grassroots fun and high-performance development in Tauranga.
- Current Steamers Development Head Coach
- World Rugby Level 3 Coach & Educator
- Expertise in Rugby, Football, Athletics, & Speed Development
- Former Head of PE & Health (Secondary Schools)
The Multi-Sport Advantage
Why specialise too early? We believe in building transferable skills. Agility learned in Rugby helps your Netball cutting; endurance from Athletics boosts your Football stamina. Our gamified, problem-solving approach builds versatile athletes who are "tactically smart" across any code.
- Evidence-Based Technical Drills
- Tactical Awareness & Game Sense
- Safe to Fail, Safe to Learn Environment
From Backyard Cricket to World Rugby
The idea for Ultimate Skills NZ was born in a Kiwi backyard, not a boardroom. Growing up, I played everything - football, rugby, cricket, tennis, Aussie rules. If there was a ball involved, I was chasing it.
My "training" started with intense backyard cricket battles against my two older brothers. I didn't realise it then, but I was learning transferable skills. The hand-eye coordination from tennis improved my cricket batting. The tactical awareness from football made me a smarter rugby player.
That multi-sport background took me all the way to the Under 19 Nationals and eventually to a career as a World Rugby Educator.
I founded Ultimate Skills NZ to give today's young athletes that same advantage. Instead of paying thousands for different single-sport academies, we provide one elite ecosystem where kids can learn, compete, and unlock their full potential across every code.
Brendon McKeown
Founder & Director of Coaching