SFU pulls the final plug on football program, announcing its official end

It’s official: football will not be making a comeback at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Burnaby, B.C. The university recently announced that the football program, which was discontinued in 2023 after the Lone Star Conference decided not to renew its affiliation, will remain inactive.

According to a statement released by SFU, the decision to discontinue the football program was based on the changing landscape of college football. The university stated that they no longer believed the program provided an exceptional experience for student-athletes.

SFU appointed Bob Copeland from McLaren Global Sports Solutions to conduct a review and explore potential options for the football program. In his report, Copeland confirmed that SFU had no viable options to play in the NCAA in the United States and that returning to U Sports in Canada would be costly with no guarantees of success.

The university acknowledged that they, like many other institutions, are facing financial uncertainty. While financial challenges were not the primary factor in the decision to end the football program, SFU emphasized the importance of financial prudence across all university departments, including Athletics and Recreation.

SFU’s provost and vice-president, Dilson Rassier, expressed pride in the football program’s historical significance in the province’s sports history. The football program has been a part of SFU’s athletic department since its inception in 1965.

Rassier emphasized that the decision to discontinue the football program was not made lightly and that the university’s primary mission is education, not developing professional athletes. He highlighted the challenging financial climate facing universities across Canada and the need to prioritize resources accordingly.

While the decision to end the football program has been met with disappointment from players and fans, SFU remains committed to providing a quality educational experience for all students. The university will continue to support student-athletes in other sports and uphold its legacy of academic excellence.