June 26th marked the last day of the summer rugby season for the Glendale Raptors. The Colorado TRY League, that runs from early May until the end of June, held their State Championship at Heritage Park in Highlands Ranch. Glendale’s U9 tackle and U13 boys tackle received first place and acclaimed Colorado State Champions.

The Raptors, with 90 youth rugby players, competed in every age group during the TRY season.

“We had one to two full sides for almost every age group in the TRY league this year,” Youth Coordinator Jenna Anderson said. “It was fantastic seeing all of the kids at practice every Tuesday and Thursday and at games on Saturdays. The parents this season were great and extremely supportive. 2010 has been the best so far!”

Glendale put together sides for U7 touch, U9 tackle, U11 tackle, U13 boys tackle, U15 boys tackle and U17 girls tackle.

“We had girls ages 11-17 playing tackle this year for the first time in TRY league. The 11, 12 and 13 year old girls played with Westside this season in a motley side. They had a lot of girls and our girls worked in with them. That is what rugby is all about, having open arms and including anyone that wants to play, even if they don’t have enough to fill a side on their own team. I am really looking forward to next year and having a full team for both the U13 girls tackle and the U9/U11 co-ed touch players.” Anderson said.

Glendale will run its Third Annual Rugby Academy on July 12-14, 8:30am-4pm and the Fall After School Program on August 31-October 28, 4:15-5:30pm.

For more information Glendale’s Youth Rugby programs, click on Youth Rugby from www.glendalerugby.com. For more information on Colorado’s TRY league, please visit www.rugbycolorado.com.