Sport Club FAQ

What is a Sport Club?

A sport club is a student-organized, non-varsity athletic team that offers a competitive, yet less demanding, schedule. It is an alternative to the NCAA and is housed under our recreation department. It bridges the gap between casual intramurals and highly structured varsity teams, often allowing athletes to play at a high level while balancing academics and other interests, with practices, travel, and competitions against other schools

How much does it cost?

Dues: Each sports club has dues that each student pays to be a part of the sports club. The dues help cover travel, registration/league dues, and other costs the team acquires. Dues are paid in smaller payments throughout the school year and will vary from year to year. Listed below are price ranges for each club. We recommend reaching out to clubs for exact amounts.
Sport Club Pass: In addition to dues, athletes have to pay for a spot club pass. This pass covers facility usages, insurance, and staffing.

$ ($25-100)	North Shore Climbers Badminton Figure Skating (Recreational) Lacrosse (W)
$$ ($101-500)	Alpine Ski and Snowboard Figure Skating (Competitive) Golf Hockey Cheer (Returners) Nordic Ski Rugby (M+W) Soccer (M+W) Ultimate Frisbee (M+W) Volleyball (M+W) Hockey (W)
$$$ ($501-1,000)	Cheerleading Hockey (M) Hockey Cheer (Rookies)
$$$$ ($1,001+)	Dance Lacrosse (M)

How do I join a Sport Club?

Start of the year: Sport Clubs will be present at Kirby Activities fair. We recommend all prospective athletes talk to the club they are interested in during this time. They will have information on tryouts, practices, and additional information.
During the school year: Most clubs welcome new athletes during the school year. We recommend reaching out to the clubs specifically to see if they are talking new athletes.
Instagram: Most sport clubs are consistent in keeping in their instagram accounts updated with information about the club.

What if the sport I want to play is not listed?

Go to Kirby Student Center and create a new student club for the sport you are looking to play. After two years, clubs can go through the application process to be approved sports club.

Who do I contact if I don’t know who to reach out to?

Any additional questions about Sport Clubs can be direct to our Competitive Sports and Youth Camp Coordinator, Abby Widd, awidd@d.umn.edu.

What is the difference between Sport Club, Intramurals, and NCAA (Athletics)?

	Sport Club	Intramural	NCAA (Athletics)
Competition Level	More competitive than intramurals, but less demanding than NCAA sports. Club teams play against other colleges and universities, often in regional or national leagues.	Primarily recreational. The focus is on fun, fitness, and socializing, not intense competition	These are the varsity sports teams that represent a university in competition against other universities.
Structure	Club sports are student organizations. Students manage the team's finances, scheduling, and other administrative tasks. The university provides an advisor for the students.	Intramural sports are organized within a single institution, with teams competing against other teams from the same school. They are managed by RSOP.	NCAA sports are highly organized and regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The school’s athletic department itself funds and oversees these teams.
Commitment	The time commitment is significant but less than NCAA sports. Teams usually practice a few times a week and travel for games or tournaments on weekends.	The time commitment is minimal, with games and practices taking place on campus. It's a very flexible option for students who want to stay active.	The time commitment is intense, with daily practices, travel, and a rigorous schedule. Athletes are expected to balance their academics with a demanding athletic schedule.
Eligibility	Eligibility criteria is primarily determind by the sport’s governing body and RSOP. Typically the criteria is more relaxed than for NCAA sports	Open to all students, regardless of their athletic ability, experience, or academic status.	There are strict eligibility requirements, and student-athletes must adhere to specific academic standards and rules.
Funding	Club teams often rely on student dues and fundraising to cover expenses such as travel and equipment. Scholarships are rare.	The program is typically funded by the university. Participants will pay for a pass to play.	NCAA sports, particularly at the Division II level, often offer athletic scholarships.