Sports and University

For most places in the world unless you are majoring directly in a sports related field, playing on teams and engaging in sports is an extracurricular activity that you access by joining a club or a group independent and disconnected from your studies. This may mean that there are more opportunities, than in the US, to participate at a high level but this is dependent on the sport and other independent variables. The US is the major exception to this with sports integrated into the College/University application, acceptance, and scholarship opportunities especially at the more competitive levels. Due to this the US has systems and rules that are complex but navigable. (See Below) If you have additional questions please see your University Counselor.

Here is an overview PDF of a presentation about Sports Opportunities in Canada, the UK and the US.

UK

If you are interested in studying/playing sports in the UK please go talk to your University Counselor and they will facilitate you finding the most up to date programs and information and/or you can go to the Sports program page on UCAS.

Please note that this is not an endorsement of this company but the Student Sport Company can assist with information about how to play on high level sports teams in the UK while studying at Uni.

US (Vidio from NCAA Overview)

In the US unlike most of the rest of the world, you can study most any major and still participate in high level sports. At most Universities and Colleges you will find club sports and intramural sports. These two levels of teams provide practices and competitions at differing levels, but are not regulated by the external governance provided by the NCAA.

Club Sports:

Club teams are run by students who plan everything including hiring coaches and figuring out the funding for gear and uniforms. Club teams complete with other Universities and Colleges. The Competition can still be high level with weekly practice and regional tournaments and national championships.

Intramural Sports:

This is based on competition with other teams on the same school campus. It is for athletes of all abilities and can run the gamut from sports like Football (Soccer), Rugby, Lacrosse, Handball, and Volleyball, to sports like Quidditch, and Frisbee golf.

The Most Competitive and more regulated levels of sport on College and University campuses are Division 1, 2 and 3. These teams are regulated and guided by the NCAA. This organization will also determine if you are eligible to play at these levels. Being more elite, these teams have larger athletics budgets and have more media attention. They do:

Emphasize the balance between academic life and athletics, but at this level you are leaning into being an athlete first and a student second. So they work to provide students and opportunity to both compete at a high level and have a "traditional" US college experience.

A Basic Breakdown of Differences

Division I

• Student athletes can compete at a high level and still have a college experience.

• Admissions: Student athletes must be certified as NCAA Eligible to practice, compete, or receive an athletics scholarship during their first year.

• Strict limits on when and how college coaches can recruit you

• Athletic scholarships are available for cost of attendance

Division II

• Focus on academics and for athletes to be well-integrated on campus.

• Admissions: Student athletes must be certified as NCAA Eligible to practice, compete, or receive an athletics scholarship during their first year.

• Limits on when and how college coaches can recruit you

• Partial athletic scholarships are available, in addition to academic and need-based aid

Division III

• Tend to have shorter sports seasons with an emphasis on regional competition.

• Admissions: Process is exactly the same as the rest of the student body, and you’ll be held to the same admissions standards

• Some limits on recruitment

• Do not offer athletics scholarships, but student athletes are eligible for academic or need-based aid

Source: NCAA

Steps

Here are steps that you need to take if you are thinking of joining Division 1, 2 or 3 level sports teams in the US.

1. REGISTER WITH THE NCAA: Become NCAA eligible junior year by registering online at the NCAA Eligibility Center (ncaa.org).

2. Know the Testing requirements: If you need to take an SAT or ACT, when registering f use the NCAA Eligibility Center code of 9999 to ensure all scores are reported directly to the NCAA.

3. CREATE A RECRUITING VIDEO: If possible use a videographer who specializes in sports, and make it short, simple and professional.

4. Understand the rules of recruitment: There are rules for when and how coaches can get in touch with you Check out the NCAA recruiting guidelines.

5. DO YOUR RESEARCH: Take a look at the schools you’re interested in and fill out their student-athlete questionnaire. Talk to current and former players to get some first-hand information.

6. MAKE A LIST: Make a list of 10 to 15 colleges, placing each into safety, likely and reach categories, focusing on athletics and academic programs.

7. GET ON THEIR RADAR: Introduce yourself to coaches with a short email or letter telling them why you’re interested in playing for them, and what you can offer as a student-athlete.

8. VISIT CAMPUS. Take a tour if possible or virtual of prospective campuses, connect via email or meet with admission staff, current students and coaches if possible. If you are able to go for an in person visit, see if you can align that date/time with a sports camp or recruiting day, as they are great opportunities to get noticed.

Important Resources:

NCAA Eligibility Center

Next College Student Athlete

NCAA Guide for the College Bound Athlete

So you Want to Play D1, D2 or D3 Level Sports?

Thanks to Bentley University and NCAA for information and resources