Russell Wilson Passing Academy Partners with SMITH to Launch New Website

Seattle’s New Star QB Aims to Promote Athletic Skills Development While Helping Kids to Build a Brighter Future

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--During the 2012-13 NFL season, Seattle Seahawks’ rookie quarterback Russell Wilson took a lot of fans by surprise as he took opposing defenses by storm. Looking back, it’s easy to see that there’s a lot more to Seattle’s unassuming, “undersized” superstar QB than meets the eye. Wilson is clearly committed to making a difference in the lives of young people, and one of the vehicles that helps get that done is the Russell Wilson Passing Academy. A football skills-development camp for kids aged 9 through 17, the Academy launched its brand new website, Friday, February 15, 2013.

“SMITH took great care in refining the RWPA visual identity and delivered a website that is polished to the last detail; they even used 100 dashed lines around the new logo to mimic a football field. I am very proud of the RWPA new look and feel”

“My goal in running the Russell Wilson Passing Academy,” says the Seahawks Pro Bowl quarterback, “is to enrich the lives of young men and to help empower their futures. Not only in football, but life in general.” The program’s new and improved website is designed to help the program attract participants and supporters.

The new site, www.thepassacademy.com, was conceived, designed and built by Seattle digital marketing and brand design agency SMITH. The firm’s work includes: brand identity development (logo design, colors, fonts, imagery); the development of a series of short films to be shot in early March depicting the Academy in action; website design and development including a custom content management system to allow for rapid updates and layout adjustments, custom fonts, custom maps and location integration; a custom contact form; ecommerce integration; and a social media theme specially designed for the Academy’s Twitter page.

According to SMITH’s Chief Creative Officer, Steve Farrell, “The chance to work with Russell on the Passing Academy website is the sort of opportunity any firm would be excited and honored to take on. In the end, it’s not only a reflection of our commitment as Seattle Seahawks fans in general, and Russell Wilson fans in particular, but also as an example of the values we share when it comes to the importance of developing character, work ethic and team spirit in our kids.”

“SMITH took great care in refining the RWPA visual identity and delivered a website that is polished to the last detail; they even used 100 dashed lines around the new logo to mimic a football field. I am very proud of the RWPA new look and feel,” said Wilson. “Not only does the new website look great, it does a wonderful job of providing access to family, friends, fans, and most importantly future bright stars across the United States. The RWPA allows me to reach kids in essentially each region of the U.S. and I expect that to continue to expand for many years to come.”

About Russell Wilson Passing Academy

The Russell Wilson Passing Academy (RWPA) is a football camp for all positions. The purpose of this camp is to help children ages 9-17 develop the fundamental skills of being a great football player, but our objective is much greater. The RWPA exists to promote the mental and physical development of youth, with the goal of encouraging kids to develop high character and moral standards, a sense of competitiveness and fair play, a respect for authority, service to others, and a love of God, family, and country. In that spirit, the RWPA welcomes inner-city and underprivileged youth to the camp through sponsorships, giving them a much-needed and valuable opportunity to learn the game of football and compete. Visit www.thepassacademy.com.

About SMITH

Master makers of transactional brand moments for humans living in an all-channel world, SMITH is one of North America’s leading customer engagement agencies. SMITH’s clients include some of the most important and recognized brands on the globe, including Microsoft, Cisco, Motorola, Nestle, Sam’s Club, Xerox and MasterCard. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and has offices in Atlanta, Portland, Spokane, Toronto and Ottawa. Learn more at www.smith.co.