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Saint John Athletics

Saint John Athletics

Competitive and Recreational Club Sports

Women's Ice Hockey Men's Football Women's Field Hockey Women's Rugby
Co-ed Badminton Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee Men's Rugby

Comparing varsity and club sports

There are several key differences between varsity and clubs that are outlined in the table below to make it easier for you to decide which level of play might be best for you.

Item	Varsity	Club
Student driven	No - there is an administrative staff and budget that takes care of all aspects of the varsity program. Varsity athletics is a university driven initiative that has been offered since 1967.	Yes - clubs are meant to be student driven. For example, if you wanted to start a cheerleading club, we would help you determine if there is sufficient interest.
Must be full-time student	Yes - UNB Saint John is a member of both the regional ACAA and the national CCAA and must abide by all the rules and regulations associated with each.	Minimum 65% current UNB Saint John full-time or part-time students; maximum 35% associate members from the community. Goal is for 100% student participation where possible.
University provides budget	Yes - an operational budget covers most of the expenses for a student including transportation, accommodations and a meal allowance subsidy.	No - clubs are responsible for raising their own funds. The university will help with value added items such as facilities and equipment where possible.
Commitment level	Relatively high - 2-3 practices per week in season, travel for road games, volunteering for community events - there is a definite expectation of commitment which is a major part of the appeal and challenge for many "elite" athletes.	Depends on the club - some clubs such as football and hockey will be going at least a couple of times a week while other clubs meet only at the university once per week.
Fee to participate	No - the only purchase required is the team track suit.	Yes - the fees vary between clubs.

About UNB

Did you know?

University of New Brunswick

UNB’s Fredericton campus, located in New Brunswick’s capital, was established in 1785; its Saint John campus, located in New Brunswick’s largest city, was established in 1964.

UNB Saint John is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

UNB is among the oldest public universities in North America and the oldest English-language university in Canada.

UNB was named Canada's most entrepreneurial university by Startup Canada.

UNB contributes $385 million into the New Brunswick economy.

UNB's Institute of Biomedical Engineering is a world-renowned research facility and one of the oldest solely dedicated to this field.

UNB offers 75 graduate and undergraduate programs.

UNB’s international students originate from more than 100 countries, contributing to the cultural fabric of our host communities and the entire province.