Purdue University Fort Wayne is expanding its club sports offerings, an extension of its effort to provide competitive opportunities to student athletes who do not play at a varsity level.
By the fall 2026 semester the university will offer as many as 13 club sports, the school said. Club teams in coed running, men’s and women’s volleyball, and disc golf will join existing offerings including tackle and women’s flag football, men’s and women’s rugby and men’s and women’ soccer.
“Club sports are growing, and they are an excellent way for young people who have dedicated many years to competitive sports in school and club environments to continue to compete, develop meaningful connections, and not lose that identity when they go to college,” Krissy Surface, vice chancellor for enrollment management and student experience, said in a news release. “It also allows them to represent PFW and travel throughout the state and region.”
Teams travel within a four-hour radius of Fort Wayne for competition. Each sport has its own conference, and many are linked to a national organization that could lead to opportunities to play for a national club title.
Club sports are managed by the university’s Campus Recreation department, which will be supported by a council of club sports student leaders.
“We are already receiving high interest from local sports clubs whose leaders share in our vision to provide athletes who don’t have the opportunity to play at the college varsity level for a variety of reasons that chance to continue competing at high levels while also earning a prestigious Purdue degree,” Surface said. “The local sports environment is rich, and we believe this is a perfect time for us to help build on that enthusiasm.”