January Youth Report

The Youth program is up and running in its eighth year, bigger and better than ever.  Younger age grades (U8, U10, & U12) are into their season and the highlight thus far was last Saturday’s win by the U8’s of the Fullerton Youth 7s Tournament (photo attached).  Coach Ray Conboy and SMRC Old Boy Adam Hammer led a squad of Dolphins with no subs through pool play and onto the Championship!

Older age grades start their league play this weekend at Webster. Youth rugby in So Cal has become very competitive and many would be surprised to see how fast and furious the matches are — even at U12!  The older age grades had special guest-coaches last week when the men’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd sides came out to Clover Park to help with training — the boys were in awe and learned a lot (as did many of the coaches!).  We appreciate this initiative by the men’s team, organized by Coach Greg Commins and Director of Rugby Doug Bratcher.

Of course we couldn’t do it without our 25 youth coaches (including SMRC Old Boys Danny Conn, Daniel Beattie, Jim Dreyfuss, Mark Hardy and Old Girl Diane Watanabe) and the eight team administrators who volunteer hours of their time week in and week out.  Thanks to all of you for making the Green Machine roll for generations to come!