B.C.-wide fundraiser to help save SFU’s football program happening Tuesday

There’s a big push Tuesday to raise money to help reinstate SFU’s recently scrapped football program.

Earlier this month, the university confirmed it was punting the team after its affiliate agreement with the Lone Star Conference of the NCAA was not being renewed.

Amar Doman, the owner of the BC Lions, is behind the fundraising initiative. He says he’ll match the amount for every 100 donations made Tuesday, up to $500,000.

However, SFU has maintained money has never been the issue, it’s the fact the team doesn’t have a conference to play in.

“The university explored and carefully considered all available options and met with sports leaders across the collegiate landscape, including the NCAA, USports and NAIA. After careful consideration and review of the challenges facing the program, the SFU leadership team came to the difficult conclusion that it is not feasible to continue SFU varsity football at this time,” it says in a statement to CityNews.

“It’s a very serious matter. We must get this taken care of and I need your help.”

April 25th is #SaveSFUFootball Day. Amar Doman will match the amount for every 100 donations, maximum of $500,000

WATCH pic.twitter.com/jF6rIRXJG5

— BC LIONS (@BCLions) April 19, 2023

So, where’s the money being raised going if money is not the problem?

“Our angle is for the youth athletes. There’s also 50 years of tradition. They’ve also produced the most CFL draftees out of any university in Canada,” said Doman. “It’ll help fund the season if that’s what’s required. Let’s get 2023 going so we can have the proper dialogues with youth sports and other leagues where we can try to get SFU back into a Canadian league.”

SFU says the football program’s operating budget is estimated at $900,000 annually, not including athletic scholarships. Athletic scholarships are estimated between $425,000 and $500,000 annually.

Doman says after Tuesday’s fundraiser, he’ll be waiting for recommendations from a special advisor announced by the university last week.

“There are thousands of people on the petition. Every CFL team has called in. It’s like hitting NATO — every university is upset saying, ‘We’re in full support.’ Football belongs in SFU for the long-term and we’re here to help that and make sure the athletes can continue to play. We’ll be down to one university. Alberta has got three playing varsity football, we’ll be down to one. In a province this big, that’s ridiculous,” he said.

Related articles: 

• SFU ends varsity football program

• BC Lions owner says team will ‘do what they can’ for SFU football players

• SFU football advisor to review future opportunities

• SFU football player faces ‘uncertain’ future after program cut

The special advisor is considering what options exist to keep the football program alive.

“We know SFU football was loved by many, and we want to thank everyone for their active involvement on this issue and for coming to the conversation with a shared desire to ensure student-athletes are supported in every way to pursue their academic and athletic goals,” a statement posted on April 20 reads.

The school says it reiterates “all parties agree there is no path forward for SFU to play varsity football in the NCAA,” and that there will be no varsity football this fall. The university is expecting a report back from the advisor by the end of this year.

-With files from Hana Mae Nassar and John Ackermann