SFU Football Program Ends.Twitter page of John Hedge
Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Burnaby, B.C., announced today that it would be ending its varsity team, effectively immediately, ending a 53-year tradition at the school.
The decision was prompted by the Lone Star Conference not inviting them to continue playing in their conference for the 2024 season, SFU President Joy Johnston said in a statement .
“The ongoing uncertainty creates an unacceptable experience for students. The university has carefully considered all available options, and as a leadership team, we concluded that football is no longer a feasible sport for SFU,” she said.
The only Canadian institution to play in the American-based National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Simon Fraser University is moving there from the Canadian-based U Sports in 2010.
One of the reasons for the university’s move to the NCAA, Johnson said was the ability to offer more scholarships for athletes, and those who choose to remain at SFU and meet eligibility requirements, would be honoured by the school in those commitments.
The province’s Canadian Football League team, the B.C. Lions, says it’s disappointed the program will be discontinued.
“Today’s news impacts several dedicated individuals, in particular the student-athletes, coaches, staff, countless volunteers, parents and, of course, alumni, who tirelessly dedicated themselves to the SFU program,” the team said in a statement.
“The B.C. Lions will continue to do everything we can to support amateur football at all levels in this province.”
#BritishColumbia; #SimonFraserUniversity; #footballprogram; #NCAA
