The SFU Football Alumni Society has responded to the report on Football's future at @SFU #SaveSFUFootball SFU Football Alumni Association Responds to SFU’s Unclear Messaging Burnaby, BC – September 19, 2023 – The SFU Football Alumni Association (SFUFAS) stands prepared to chart the course for the resurgence of the SFU football program, following a recent report from Simon Fraser University (SFU) that left a clouded roadmap for its revival after the program's cancellation on April 6. SFUFAS President Mark Bailey, acknowledging the absence of concrete recommendations in the report by Bob Copeland of McLaren Global Sport Solutions, emphasized, "Mr. Copeland was not asked to provide recommendations in the report but has illustrated the steps toward the reestablishment of the football program through Canada West and U SPORTS." Bailey further affirmed the alumni's unwavering commitment, stating, "We are ready to support the effort in any fashion possible." The extensive 136-page report also shed light on the overarching challenges plaguing SFU's athletic department. This revelation hardly comes as a surprise, as the ill-fated NCAA experiment has proven to be a detriment to Canada's sole NCAA institution. It is evident that the dysfunction within SFU athletics took root during SFU President Dr. Joy Johnson's tenure as the helm of the university's administration. The report stated, “The Department currently operates without a strategic plan. The lack of effective strategic planning in the Department is a concern, as is the lack of systematic evaluation of varsity programs and staff.” Bailey noted, "The lack of advocacy and leadership from SFU's leadership to support SFU's student-athletes has been apparent to us for years now." He further expressed the frustrations of those who have strived to back their players and program while encountering administrative obstacles. Bailey added, "If it takes this report for Dr. Johnson to realize this, it's welcome but long overdue." To ensure the return of the program, the SFUFAS suggests that football resources should be placed in escrow until a way forward can be determined. “The endowments supporting football athletes, with money raised by football alumni, should remain dedicated to their intended purpose,” Bailey said. “The football equipment should be put into storage and not out to auction. That would be a measure of trust-building which between the university administration and the alumni along with the football community has been lacking,” he said. The community deserves clear communication from Dr. Johnson according to Bailey. “Is the issue around football’s future at SFU about money, or isn't it? Are we applying to U SPORTS, or aren't we? There has been a lot of mixed messaging from the administration, and if we can get clarity, we can start working together on a solution that restores the program and repairs the reputation of the university.” The SFU Football Alumni Association remains resolute in its dedication to the restoration of the football program, eager to collaborate with the university and its leadership to pave a clear and successful path forward.