No Offers, No Problem

Benefits of College Club Teams

Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash

With less pressure, rigor and stress, college club sports are a perfect option for those who want to continue their sport beyond high school but are not competitive enough to play for the university’s official National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) team. Most colleges offer a wide range of club sports, with most even having more club teams than NCAA teams. And while the skill level in club sports is noticeably lower, it’s also less competitive. This stress-free environment, athletes are able to continue the sport they love with opportunities for growth and leadership.

While eligibility and recruitment create significant problems and stress for athletes wishing to participate in NCAA sports, club sports eliminates these issues. Club athletics have a more relaxed eligibility as any current student at the university is allowed to try out. On the other hand, NCAA recruiting is a rigorous process that begins in high school, causing a serious amount of stress on the athlete.

Because less than 5% of highschool athletes play NCAA sports, college sports are the perfect alternative for those wanting to continue their sport. Athletes can even participate in events without the intense pressure of NCAA competitions. This allows for student-athletes to balance their academics much easier, especially without practicing from dusk to dawn every day of every week. The athletes are also able to have more of a social life in what many call the best four years of a person’s life–college–enjoying greater flexibility and practicality.

“I am [interested in playing a college club sport] because it is not as time consuming as playing an actual [NCAA] sport,” senior football player Keller Bridges said. “I still want to have time to focus on my school work, do internships and eventually get a job.”

Additionally, students have more control not only with their daily lives but also with the team’s schedule and choices. With NCAA sports, however, the NCAA decides everything for the athletic teams, with players having little to no say in decision-making.

However, the excitement from club sports comes with a cost–an extremely pricey one. Most club sports funds typically come from student fees, which means that student-athletes pay for travel, membership fees, equipment and resources to excel as a team. NCAA sports, on the other hand, pays for all these necessities, with most athletes even being on scholarship, which significantly decreases the price for academics as well. That said, even though club sports may not lower tuition or fees, teams still engage in serious training, similar to that of NCAA while making lifelong memories and friends.

Overall, club sports allow a much easier transition to college, building invaluable connections and experiences while providing student-athletes with the opportunity to continue the sports they love.