Results of the McGill Athletics and Recreation Sports Program Review

Dear members of the McGill Athletics and Recreation community,

Today we share important news that reflects both McGill’s strengths and the wider challenges we face as a campus community. After an extensive internal and external review of our operations, we have made the difficult decision to reduce the number of competitive sport clubs and varsity teams supported by McGill Athletics and Recreation.

This has been a thoughtful and complex process. We work closely with our students, athletes, and support staff every day and understand the time, dedication, and passion they bring to their sports. Delivering this news is not easy, but it is guided by our responsibility to ensure the long‑term sustainability and excellence of Athletics and Recreation at McGill.

Some have asked why we chose to conduct this review now rather than wait until the summer. The truth is, there is no good time for such a process. No matter when it happens, there is always a possibility that it will yield results that will leave some feeling relieved and others disappointed. While this is challenging, our commitment to strong communication and to supporting our community through change remains firm and unwavering.

Background and Rationale

After an audit conducted by McGill’s Internal Audit Unit in 2024 and an independent external review by KPMG in 2025, it became clear that our current structure was no longer sustainable.

The findings from both reviews highlighted ongoing challenges related to facility space, budget constraints, and human resources capacity. Simply put, our unit can no longer effectively manage or support the same number of activities while maintaining the standards of excellence expected at McGill.

Over the past several months, the McGill Athletics and Recreation Sports Program Review Committee carefully evaluated all clubs and teams using multiple criteria, including the new Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) sport model, competitive viability, recruitment pools, and resource requirements.

Process and Consultations

Before arriving at our conclusions, we carried out an extensive review process that involved discussions with internal and external stakeholders. These conversations were thoughtful, candid, and, at times, emotional — reflecting the deep passion and pride that define our community.

Today, individual meetings were held with all competitive sport clubs and varsity teams to share the results and provide clarity on each sport’s future under the Athletics and Recreation umbrella.

Sports Competing During the 2026–27 Academic Year

Artistic Swimming (co-ed)

Hockey (m/w)

Basketball (m/w)

Lacrosse (m)

Cheerleading (co-ed)*

Rowing (m/w)

Cross-Country (m/w)

Rugby (m)

Flag Football (w)*

Soccer (m/w)

Football (m)

Swimming (m/w)

Volleyball (w)

* The inclusion of these teams for competition in 2026-27 will depend on whether a derogation can be provided by the RSEQ for the upcoming season. More details to follow.

Sports That Will Not Be Returning

Badminton (m/w)  

Baseball (m)  

Fencing (m/w)

Logger Sports (m/w)

Nordic Ski (m/w)

Rugby (w)

Field Hockey (w)

Sailing (m/w)

Figure Skating (m/w)

Golf (m/w)

Lacrosse (w)

Squash (m/w)

Tennis (m/w)

Track and Field (m/w)

Volleyball (m)

We encourage students to connect with the Student Society of McGill University (SSMU) or the Macdonald Campus Student Society (MCSS) to explore opportunities for their sport to participate within one of these student-run organizations.  

McGill Athletics and Recreation will also continue to offer a wide range of intramural and recreational activities, providing great ways to stay active, engaged, and connected to the McGill community.

Support for Affected Students

We recognize the profound impact these changes will have on many members of our community.  

A list of resources can be found below.

1. Local Wellness Advisors: Local Wellness Advisor, Kiki Yelle, is a trained mental health professional embedded in the Athletics and Recreation Unit. She is part of the Student Wellness Hub team and available to meet with any student free of charge to help navigate these changes.  
A full list of free mental health support services can be found at https://www.mcgill.ca/wellness-hub/get-support/mental-health-support.

a. Booking online via this link  

2. Contact the Office of the Dean of Students: Case managers can help you navigate your situation and connect you with appropriate resources.
They can be reached by emailing deanofstudents@mcgill.ca.  

Our leadership team and staff remain committed to assisting affected students, athletes, coaches, and staff through this transition.

Looking Ahead

As lifelong advocates for sport, we recognize how difficult this moment is, particularly for those of our students, athletes and staff who will not return to competition. At the same time, these decisions were made with the long-term sustainability of McGill Athletics and Recreation in mind.  

We remain dedicated to providing high-quality competitive and recreational opportunities for students and to fostering excellence in university sport at McGill. We understand that many of the clubs and varsity teams affected will have additional questions, and we welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss their concerns.

Sincerely,

Perry Karnofsky

Director, Services, Wellness Programs and Facility Operations

Daniel Méthot
Director, Varsity Sport Programs