The little town of Glendale on the banks of Cherry Creek has surprised the doubters and has become one of the world centers of rugby.

Here's a heads up on what's occurring on the Glendale rugby front during the next few weeks:

• July 22 -24 Infinity Park - the YMCA will be sponsoring the Youth Rugby Sports Camp. Almost 1,000 kids (of all ages) will be participating and will learn the fundamentals of the world's fastest growing sport. Denver Raptor players will act as coaches.

• July 30 - August 1, The Glendale Raptors will conduct their Rugby Youth Academy for more advanced young players. Some 200 kids will be on hand. (Are rugby Dads replacing soccer Moms in Colorado?)

• July 29 and Saturday August 2, the North America All-Star Rugby Tournament will take place featuring the 100 top amateur rugby players from the U.S. and Canada. The teams are Canada East and Canada West and the U.S. Hawks and the U.S. Falcons. Eight of the American players are from the Denver area with Mike Graham and Taylor Howden leading the charge.