Join the Club: A Look at What SMU’s Club Sports Have to Offer

Written by Drew McConnell

Header Photo by Saint Mary’s University

 In the world of university athletics, it’s no secret that varsity sports commands the lion’s share of attention. The highly skilled athletes, the regional and national tournaments, the corporate sponsorships, and just the general ballyhoo that is associated with the varsity teams is palpable. But what if you want to take part in an athletic endeavour without all the added pressure of the varsity environment? Well, at Saint Mary’s you can join a Club Sport. 

Clubs are athletics teams that compete with other universities’ Club teams in a wide array of sports. They’re meant for students that want to participate in athletics without the intense training regimen or time commitment required of varsity athletics. Saint Mary’s University’s Department of Athletics and Recreation sanctions a Club Sports program for full and part-time SMU students that have activated their SMU-Fit membership. At present, there are 10 clubs offered at Saint Mary’s that represent a broad range of activities. These sports include golf, cheerleading, men’s and women’s field hockey, dance, ringette, tennis, and more. All sports have the opportunity to compete in a wide variety of events, competitions, and championship tournaments. Furthermore, many clubs serve the community and participate in volunteer events and activities. 

Aside from the obvious benefits one would enjoy playing sports such as physical fitness, club sports at Saint Mary’s also affords students the opportunity to sharpen a variety of other abilities as well. One particular skill that many students could use some practice at is budgeting and finances. It may seem odd on the surface, but club sport volunteers actually exercise this ability frequently as all clubs are administered by the volunteers themselves. Therefore, they are responsible for all leadership and financial obligations – which includes submitting an annual budget for their club.

Photo by Saint Mary’s University

In fact, an entire organizational framework exists for each club. Each club has an Executive Board that consists of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Students can apply to volunteer for each position. The board is responsible for overseeing their respective club and ensuring that they are adhering to the rules and regulations of SMU’s Department of Athletics and Recreation. It’s a great opportunity for students to learn the fundamentals of participating in an administrative environment and acts as great preparation for the workforce. 

Speaking of the workforce, having a network of professional contacts certainly gives you a leg up when you’re embarking on a career. Students that are a part of club sports or club sport executives are typically in contact with sports management professionals on a regular basis, which allows them a unique networking opportunity while simultaneously honing transferable skills such as team-work, basic office skills, bookkeeping, and many others. Also, since Saint Mary’s University is a non-profit organization, it gives students valuable experience in a sector that’s always in demand. Executives are also able to take first aid and CPR training using club funds – which is a very useful skill to have in both a professional and personal capacity.

Perhaps the biggest reason to join a club sport, however, is the sense of camaraderie that comes with sports that is hard to replicate anywhere else. Playing a team sport teaches students  to be accountable and work with others while striving toward a common goal. Athletics teaches  discipline and resolve while motivating students to improve every single day.

To put it simply, club sports offer a vital service to the university community. Giving students the chance to participate in sports they love while promoting a deeper involvement in athletics at an administrative and executive level – all the while making lifelong connections and building a diverse skill set. Joining a club sport gives students an opportunity to enhance their university experience in a fun and unique way.

So, when the pandemic subsides you find yourself looking for something fun and meaningful to do, join a SMU club sports team. At the very least you’ll get some physical activity worked into your schedule while being amid a dynamic and diverse social group – and really, there’s no better way to rebound from this past year.

Happy Holidays!