Founded in 2007, the multiple teams that comprise the organization not only have more than a decade of high-level rugby competition, but also numerous national and divisional championship titles to show for it. Exceptional rugby play isn’t what sets the Raptors apart from the competition; it’s the team’s inextinguishable spirit and emboldened sense of community. From the very beginning, the Raptors have been dedicated ambassadors of rugby, intertwining their love of sport with the people of Glendale and beyond.
A very heartfelt thanks once again to you and the entire Raptors organization for donating the various items for us to take and bring the game to the people of Haiti.
Professional Raptors players will demonstrate the Learn Rugby program for Denver Health youth patients.
Members of the Glendale Raptors will visit and spend some time with patients at Children's Hospital.
Members of the Glendale Raptors visited and spent some time with patients at Children's Hospital.
The Glendale Raptors visited the children of Bromwell Elementary, introducing them to the sport of rugby with some pass and catch drills. We have some new rugby fans!
Professional Raptors players demonstrated the Learn Rugby program for Denver Health youth patients.
Two professional Raptors players, alongside Glendale’s Director of Youth Rugby, Jenna Anderson, demonstrated the Learn Rugby program for about 15 Denver Health youth patients.
Members of the Glendale Raptors visited and spent some time with patients at Children's Hospital.
Raptor players showed their quiet side, visiting the Glendale Bookies Bookstore to read to local youth. With a couple of great rugby-themed books currently on the market, the event was informative and fun, and gave local book lovers the chance to meet and mingle with their Glendale Raptors.
We are happy to report that the Raptors participated in the employee appreciation event “City Spirit” on Wednesday, August 8th, 2018.
Raptors players and Glendale’s Director of Youth Rugby Jenna Anderson visited the Youth Department at Denver Health, interacting with patients, signing autographs, and took a selfie or two!
Members of the Raptors professional side teamed up with members Glendale’s Women’s Premier League team at Denver International Airport for a plane pull challenge!
In what’s become a bit of an annual tradition, Raptors players traveled to Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Raptors players enjoyed pints of local Hogshead Brewery beer, greeted fans, and handed out swag.
Glendale Raptors attend the youth Rugby Try practice to support the next generation of Rugby superstars.
Come join the Raptors and enjoy a great craft beer at Hogshead Brewery.
5 pro Glendale players dropped by Raptors Fan Zone featured brewer Odyssey Beer Works, enjoying some local pints and chatting with fans new and old.
Pro Raptors traveled to Boulder to attend a Youth Rugby try league.
Denver’s CBS 4 interviewed the Dahls at home and at Infinity Park, giving Raptors fans a personal introduction to a veteran of the Glendale Raptors squad.
Raptors players and Rudi handed out swag and offered up special Mother’s Day promotions at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Commerce City.
Five professional Raptors players dropped by Glendale’s Bull & Bush Brewery, enjoying the English pub atmosphere, handing out swag, and chatting with patrons.
Five professional Raptors visited Strange Craft Brewing, handing out swag and glad handing local beer lovers.
An exciting press conference the day prior to the Raptors home opener, featuring Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon, Deputy City Manager Linda Cassady, Raptors Head Coach David Williams, and Team Captain Shaun Davies.
Three Raptors players and Rudi the mascot visited Glendale’s Hampton Inn & Suites, taking photos with guests, handing out team swag, and ramping things up for the season kickoff.
Five Raptors players delivered swag bags to awaiting fans at Boggy Draw Brewery in Sheridan – a Raptors Fan Zone’s featured brewer.
David Williams, two pro Raptors players, and Rudi made a special appearance at Denver’s Channel 9 News.
Gathering at the Infinity Park Event Center’s International Ballroom, inaugural Raptors season ticket holders were invited to collect their tickets.
Three professional Raptors players and Rudi the Raptor gathered at Glendale staple Sam’s No. 3, meeting and greeting patrons of the long-standing diner.
Raptors Head Coach David Williams and a couple of players visited Denver’s CBS4 Studios to tape an interview.
A trio of Raptors players visited Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, mingling with patrons, handing out swag, and enjoying a hot slice and a cold pint!
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver visited Infinity Park, first to watch the professional Raptors team practice, and then to get a little Rugby 101 and toss around some balls.
Members of the Raptors professional team visited Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Rudi the Raptor, the team’s newly revealed mascot, makes an appearance at Boondock’s Food and Fun in Parker. Handing out Raptors swag, high-fives, and hugs, Rudi got rugby fans excited about the upcoming launch of the inaugural season of Major League Rugby.
The Raptors in the Community program is a unique endeavor: part public relations, part community service. Having players and coaches engaging locals is not new for the Raptors, however, it is a core value espoused since the team’s inception. Mark Bullock, Director of Rugby in Glendale, explains the essential concept behind the Raptors community involvement: “It started as a promise of service, so that our players give back to the people that support us. That is the point of emphasis. We give back to the community that helps us to play the game that we love.”
Rugby fosters a culture of giving, of inclusion, of involvement. Each of the volunteer and community events that the Raptors attend is the beginning of a chain reaction: as more and more people are affected, the accepting, inviting rugby family will continue to grow. Not only do these events benefit the community, the team also introduces new fans and players to the sport. Director of Rugby Mark Bullock describes the Raptors in the Community as an opportunity to give back, a philosophy that becomes action for the team. The program has the additional benefit of making stronger people out of the players as well. As Bullock puts it: “They learn something about themselves, even if they’re initially hesitant to commit. Something transpires in the process of helping others, of meeting the community that allows us to play the sport we love. It’s a valuable process. We do it, and we get something from it as well. Ultimately it benefits the community, and it benefits the club.”
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