Autism Awareness Month Story | Stuart McKeen

07/04/2026

Written by Harry Welburn

April is Autism Awareness Month, and over the coming weeks, we’ll share stories from players and staff across our teams who live with autism, highlighting their experiences and how Sheffield Eagles support them.

Today, we focus on Stuart McKeen, who is an assistant coach with our Learning Disability team.

Sheffield Eagles Foundation LDRL coach Stuart McKeen was diagnosed as autistic four years ago.

“I knew something was wrong, I struggled, and I’d been bullied all my life.

“I was labelled ‘stupid’, ‘an idiot’. I’ve always worked; I’d come home and would just want to stay in the flat. I’m a loner, I wasn’t making friends, I’d avoid eye contact, avoid starting conversations, and I realised I needed to do something”.

Stuart’s played rugby, both league and union, for nearly 40 years. He knew Adam & Mandy, who brought him to Friday night LDRL training.

A significant moment for Stuart was a talk with another coach, Dean Crossland.

“Dean listened to me, about my physical fitness, and my mental health. People at Friday training listen, they give me space when I need it”.

‘Dodgy knees’ have meant Stuart’s retired as a player last year, but through the Eagles Foundation, Stuart will do his Level One RL Coaching Course this year.