Simon Fraser University Seeks Return to Canadian U Sports

For over a decade, the Simon Fraser University (SFU) football program carved out a unique identity as the only Canadian team competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States. That chapter came to an abrupt and controversial end in 2023 when the university announced the termination of its football program. Now, a new movement is gaining momentum, not to revive the NCAA experiment, but to bring SFU football back to its Canadian roots. The goal is clear: a return to U Sports, Canada’s governing body for university athletics.

The End of an Era: SFU’s NCAA Journey Concludes

SFU’s foray into NCAA Division II football began in 2010, a bold move that promised greater exposure and competition. However, the reality proved challenging. The team faced immense logistical hurdles, including extensive travel across the American Pacific Northwest and difficulty recruiting against U.S.-based schools. Despite moments of success, the program struggled to establish consistent competitiveness and build a strong local fan base.

The final blow came in April 2023, when the university administration, citing financial sustainability and the need to prioritize other sports, made the shocking decision to terminate the program immediately. The move left players, coaches, and alumni reeling, feeling the decision was made without proper consultation or a clear plan for the athletes whose scholarships and academic paths were suddenly in jeopardy.

A Grassroots Campaign for a Canadian Comeback

Out of the disappointment, a determined coalition has emerged. Led by the SFU Football Alumni Society, and supported by former players, coaches, and passionate fans, the push for a U Sports return is now the central focus. This group argues that the previous model was flawed not because of football itself, but because of the unsustainable NCAA framework.

Their vision is fundamentally different: a team that competes within Canada, rebuilds historic rivalries with schools like the University of British Columbia (UBC), and re-engages with the Metro Vancouver community. The campaign, dubbed “Back to the Bay” (referencing SFU’s Terry Fox Field at Stadium Bowl), is built on several key pillars:

The Roadmap to Reinstatement: Challenges and Requirements

The path back to the field is not a simple one. Re-establishing a varsity football program requires navigating a complex set of logistical, financial, and governance hurdles. The SFU Football Alumni Society has been actively developing a formal proposal to present to the university’s Board of Governors and Athletics Department.

Key steps in the process include:

Why This Move Makes Sense for Canadian Football

Beyond the walls of SFU, a return to U Sports is seen as a positive development for the Canadian football landscape. It would:

The Critical Moment: What Comes Next?

The campaign has successfully raised awareness and demonstrated significant alumni support. The next phase is the most critical: formal negotiations with SFU’s leadership. Advocates are calling for transparency and collaboration, urging the university to see the value in a community-supported, Canadian-centric football program.

The university has stated it is aware of the alumni group’s efforts and is in receipt of information, but has not yet committed to any process for reinstatement. The decision will ultimately come down to a cost-benefit analysis by the Board of Governors, weighing the proposed new financial model against other institutional priorities.

The story of SFU football is at a crossroads. The failed NCAA experiment is in the past. The current void is felt by the community. The future, as envisioned by a growing and vocal movement, is painted in Canadian colours. It’s a future where student-athletes represent their university on a national stage within their own country, where historic rivalries are rekindled, and where the chant “Go Clan Go” (or a new moniker) echoes once again in Burnaby—this time, for a home team playing a home schedule.

The drive to bring SFU football back to U Sports is more than nostalgia; it’s a strategic proposal for a sustainable and proud new chapter. The coming months will determine if the university is ready to listen and turn this vision into a reality.