College soccer coaches rally support to prevent NCAA Division I program cuts

College soccer coaches are rallying against the passing an NCAA waiver that would allow colleges and conferences to cut a number of sports while retaining their Division I status.

If the waiver is passed by the NCAA, Olympic sports including soccer, volleyball and gymnastics – among others – would be at high risk of being shut down at universities across the country. The waiver is being pushed as a way to cut budgets which are being squeezed due to the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[UPDATE: On May 1st, college coaches issued a new statement applauding the NCAA’s commitment to student-athletes, following a productive meeting with the NCAA Division I Presidential Forum and Board of Directors.]

United Soccer Coaches signed onto a massive open letter on the issue last week, which was co-signed by executives from dozens of athletic coaching organizations and athletics conferences. The open letter was distributed by the Intercollegiate Coach Association Coalition (ICAC).

This week, United Soccer Coaches is continuing to encourage the soccer community to sign a petition against the waiver:

“As members of the Intercollegiate Coach Association Coalition, United Soccer Coaches strongly opposes this drastic measure because we know firsthand the far-reaching benefits college athletic programs provide student-athletes and their families.

To help our campaign, we are asking you to let your voice be heard! Sign the petition and help us reach our goal of 100,000 signatures and tell the NCAA to SAVE OUR SPORTS!”

Men’s college soccer has already seen significant cuts over the past several years, with the University of Cincinnati being the most recent Division I program to be shut down. Cincinnati’s men’s soccer team was terminated on April 14, as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked financial havoc on many athletic departments around the nation.