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By Ray Hamill — Youth rugby is coming to the North Coast this summer.

The Humboldt Youth Rugby Association announced it will host a free camp for boys and girls later this month, followed by a Summer 7s Series twice weekly in June and July.

“Rugby is about more than just a game, it’s about character, respect and finding a place for every type of athlete,” Director of Humboldt Youth Rugby Ed Sonia said. “By offering the camp for free and launching the Summer 7s Series, we’re removing the barriers to entry and giving Humboldt kids a chance to stay active and build lifelong friendships.”

The camp will take place at the Arcata Sports Complex on May 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to anyone aged 5-18.

According to Sonia, 60 local kids have already signed up and organizers are expecting to have 100 kids at the camp.

Several Cal Poly Humboldt alumni players will be on hand to coach the youngsters.

And, according to Sonia, the early feedback has been very positive.

“We’re getting a lot of community support,” he said. “A lot of organizations are helping us out with funding.”

The Summer 7s Series will run on Tuesday and Thursday nights throughout June and July at the Arcata Sports Complex at a cost of $100.

Rugby has been a popular sport here on the North Coast, with Cal Poly Humboldt fielding a men’s club team since the early 1970s and winning a national championship in 2022.

Cal Poly Humboldt also fields a women’s team.

“We want to put out an alternative athletics avenue for kids in the community that doesn’t cost a fortune,” Sonia said. “I think it’s going to be really good for the community and a really good opportunity for local youth.”

Parents or guardians interested in registering their kids for the free camp can do so at humboldtrugby.com/youth or sign up in person at the start of the camp.