By: Emily Curtis

Club sports in recent years have become a main element on college campuses worldwide. Getting involved with club sports is a great way for student athletes to continue to play their sport without the obligations and pressures that are connected with varsity sports. Varsity sports are funded by money from the school, boosters’ donations, and others outside of the school that support athletics. On the contrary, club sports are student-run and receive little to none financial aid from the school. The lack of funding, has become a main issue for the reason that these sports teams cannot rely solely on the student fees to insure a full and competitive season every year.

The current state of funding college sports is very poor. Club sports are funded through membership dues, fundraising projects, and out of pocket expenses. As opposed to varsity athletes, club athletes pay for their equipment, tournaments, travel and coaches’ salaries. This financial problem restricts many students from joining and participating from these club sports.

Varsity athletics are an important aspect at any University or college campus, however, only few are able to compete at this level. Recently, club sports have become so popular because students are given the chance to still compete in sports at the college level. These teams are governed by NIRSA, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association. NIRSA was founded in 1950 and is the main foundation to provide guidance for club sports, as stated by the nirsa.org.(1) Club sports were, and still are, a way for students to compete and still have time for other activities. Universities and colleges nationwide offer a wide variety of sports which attract many different types of students which has created diversity within the program. According to the University of Oregon website, Club sports include bass fishing, cricket, equestrian and many more.(2)

More funding for club sports nationwide will allow more student athletes to participate in their sport which in return will benefit students greatly both for their mind and body. An increase in club funding means an increase in student dues. However, this is a very small increase and will benefit the college campus community and all the student athletes involved.