Purdue Fort Wayne plans major expansion of club sports ahead of fall 2026 semester

For most high school athletes, the final games, meets, and matches of their senior year come with a bittersweet realization that the opportunities to compete at that level may also be drawing to a close. To help these future college students and those already enrolled fulfill their passion to play, Purdue University Fort Wayne announced today that it will offer as many as 13 club sports starting next year. They will include men’s and women’s soccer, tackle football, women’s flag football, and men’s and women’s rugby.

Already the home to northeast Indiana’s only NCAA Division I athletic programs, Purdue Fort Wayne will now give more non-scholarship athletes another chance to represent their school on the field of play beginning with the fall 2026 semester. Additional newly added club sports on PFW’s expanded list are coed running, men’s and women’s volleyball, and disc golf. These join an already established and competitive roster of club men’s basketball, esports, and dance.

“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,” said Krissy Surface, vice chancellor for enrollment management and the student experience, Purdue University Fort Wayne. “It also allows them to represent PFW and travel throughout the state and region.”

Club sports at PFW are managed by Campus Recreation, which will be supported by a club sports council comprised of club sports student leaders. The council’s first official meeting is scheduled for Monday.

“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,” said Nick Brand, director of Campus Recreation, Purdue University Fort Wayne. “Our teams will travel within a four-hour radius of Fort Wayne for competition, showcasing the university in areas where we already recruit new students.”

According to Surface, nearly all of the teams will have one coach; tackle football will have three. Most positions will be part time, temporary, and seasonal. Each sport will also have a captain who will work with their coach or coaches to guide the teams in and out of season. 

With approximately 3,500 students at Fort Wayne Community Schools and comparable numbers regionwide competing in high school sports every year, PFW plans to accelerate its outreach to area districts and other sports organizations throughout November.

“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.”    

Specific questions about club sports at PFW may be emailed to [email protected]. Visit pfw.edu/club-sports to find general information and fill out a short survey to express interest.