The UCLA Men's Rugby program proudly hosted its 4th annual Summer Youth Camp this past week, led by Head Coach Harry Bennett. Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 edition brought together 50 young athletes from across the United States and abroad for a memorable four-day rugby experience on the UCLA campus.
The camp provided a unique opportunity for aspiring rugby players to immerse themselves in high-level coaching while getting a taste of life as a Bruin. Current members of the UCLA Men's Rugby team served as counselors and coaches throughout the week, offering hands-on instruction, mentorship, and a first-hand look at the culture and commitment of UCLA Rugby. A highlight of the camp was the overnight residential experience, which allowed campers to stay in UCLA dorms, dine on campus, and fully engage with teammates and coaches alike. This created a strong sense of camaraderie among the campers and provided an authentic student-athlete experience.
An important and highly praised element of the camp was the UCLA Admissions seminar, where university staff delivered a comprehensive session on best practices for college applications. The seminar included an engaging Q&A session, giving campers and their families valuable insights into the academic pathways to UCLA and other top institutions.
The final day of camp culminated in a showcase rugby match, where campers demonstrated the skills they had developed over the week. The match served as an exciting capstone to the camp, highlighting individual growth, teamwork, and the competitive spirit of the game.
Campers departed with new skills, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories. The UCLA Men's Rugby Summer Youth Camp continues to be a cornerstone of the program's community outreach and talent development, inspiring the next generation of student-athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the field.