Help Send UCLA Quidditch to USQ Cup 2022 *STRETCH GOAL*

The UCLA Quidditch team is a 100% student-run organization sponsored by UCLA Recreation/Club Sports that is composed of almost 30 student athletes. From week-to-week, our members juggle their time between a full course load and various extracurricular activities—all in addition to 4-8 hours of quidditch practice and conditioning. Though we represent a diverse group of academic and individual backgrounds, we take pride in our ability to share a common love for athletic competition mixed with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, the UCLA squad has undergone major changes to the program since the return to in-person practices in the middle of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, and we are happy to say that we have been able to recruit an amazing group of new players. Together, we have been working hard to re-establish our team as a powerhouse not only in the West region, but in the entire country as well.

After several months’ worth of training, sweat, and a little bit of Felix Felicis, UCLA Quidditch was able to qualify for our ninth trip to compete in the US Quidditch Cup, which will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah in April. We are extremely excited and are looking forward to putting all of our hard work to the test against the best in the nation this year. However, the cost of playing at the national level does not come with a college-friendly price tag.

Team expenses of attending nationals two years ago cost over $10,000, and we expect that number to be just about the same for this year. Between tournament fees, airfare, transportation, housing, and equipment, each player is estimated to contribute around $500. Because our team also receives very little funding from the UCLA Club Sports program, conjuring up this amount of money is easier said than done for our members who are full-time college students first and quidditch players second. We have become such a tight-knit community as a team this year, and we would be devastated if one of our players could not attend the tournament for financial reasons.

We would not have been able to successfully compete at the national level so many times without the support of our countless donors throughout the years. Once again, we are calling on you to help alleviate the financial burden on our players’ budgets and send all 21 of us to proudly represent the Bruins at the national tournament for the ninth time.

Through this year’s fundraising campaign, we are seeking to raise $6,000 to help offset the costs of nationals for our players. With a variety of donation levels to choose from, we are confident that your contributions—no matter the amount—will help us reach our goal. Every dollar received will go directly towards player expenses for the tournament, and any additional money will be put towards a scholarship fund to further assist those who may need it and the growth of the program in years to come. 

From all of us here at UCLA Quidditch, we cannot thank you enough for the endless support you have shown, which has allowed us to continue to keep our program running long and strong. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new supporter, we appreciate you sticking with us, and we can’t wait to make you proud at nationals this year!

Photo credits: Nathaly Castrejon