The Old Glory DC Academy announced the upcoming schedule for the Old Glory Girls and Boys U-19 teams, which will represent the first test matches for the Academy squads. The squads, made up of athletes from different rugby programs across DC, Virginia, and Maryland will face the New England Free Jacks Academy U-19 teams in the four-game series. This four-match series will take place on July 10th and July 18th before the MLR teams’ home matches. Matches on July 10th will be the first test ever played for the academy squads.

“We have been pleased with the training we’ve been able to provide the players over the last ten months but have been itching to get these players actual match experience,” said Brianna Kim, Old Glory Academy Director. “We reached out to the Free Jacks and were thrilled to find they share a very similar vision as us: growing this sport in our local communities for both boys and girls. And that’s how the four-game series was birthed. This series sets a standard and a precedent for both teams, as well as across the MLR. We plan to continue building on this foundation for seasons to come– to continue developing the local talent and supporting players as they pursue their collegiate, professional, and national team dreams. This would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, who truly believe in the importance of youth player development.”

“We are ecstatic to provide an opportunity for our Under 19 players, boys and girls alike, to play at a high level against our friends down the coast in Washington DC,” commented Tom Kindley, Performance Manager of the New England Free Jacks. “The series comes at an ideal time for these players with state high school championships concluding this weekend and is an opportunity to pick up from the groundwork laid in the Fall and Winter of 2020, where over 100 players of regional interest were selected at a U19 level across New England. We, with DC, aim to imbed such east coast conference age-grade fixtures into our annual calendar and, in doing so, support local player development as they pursue collegiate, professional, and national team opportunities. A massive thank you to our sponsors who have made this series viable and continue to support youth player development.” 

Old Glory DC Academy U-19’s have continued their development as players throughout the MLR 2021 season, with weekly training sessions at the St. James Sports, Wellness and Entertainment Complex in Springfield, VA.

“I think what’s most exciting about the Academy is that it gives these players a real opportunity to not just learn from the OG staff but also each other,” said Kim. “These players face off against each other in league matches every season and finally get to play with one another on the same team. The all-star and select-side experiences I’ve had throughout my playing career have not only made me a better player but created long-lasting friendships I would’ve never made otherwise.”

Below are the academy fixtures scheduled for July:

* Kick-off times to be determined