U SPORTS has launched its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, outlining a bold vision to elevate Canadian university sport through enhanced national championships, expanded partnerships and a strengthened student-athlete experience.
A fundamental part of the planning process was U SPORTS’ consultation with a dedicated group of student-athletes and coaches in shaping the plan, ensuring their voices and experiences helped guide the organization’s future direction.
“This strategic plan demonstrates our commitment to making U SPORTS a leading destination for student-athletes, coaches, and staff,” stated Pierre Arsenault, CEO of U SPORTS. “By enhancing our national championships, expanding our international presence, and improving the student-athlete experience, we are positioning Canadian university sport for long-term success. The direct feedback from student-athletes, coaches, administrators and conference staff has been essential in identifying the priorities that will shape the future of university sport in Canada.”
Strategic Priorities and Areas of Focus
As part of its efforts to elevate competition and recognition, U SPORTS will continue enhancing its national championships, celebrating academic and athletic excellence, and expanding Team Canada’s impact at international university competitions.
The plan also aims to lead through sport by strengthening U SPORTS’ integration within the national sport system, growing partnerships, expanding the brand’s reach and reinforcing the value of Canadian university sport as a premier destination for high-performance athletes.
With a renewed focus on enhancing the university sport experience, U SPORTS will emphasize diversity and inclusion, student-athlete health and safety, academic success and collaboration with its conferences and member institutions. The perspectives of student-athletes and coaches played a key role in shaping this priority, ensuring their needs remain at the forefront of U SPORTS initiatives.
Finally, U SPORTS is committed to operational excellence, with continued evolution in governance, strengthened financial sustainability, enhanced service delivery and new resource development strategies at the forefront.
Updated U SPORTS Values
U SPORTS has also refined its core values to reflect its ongoing commitment to excellence. These include:
- Student-athlete focused – Placing student-athletes at the centre of decision-making.
- Diverse and inclusive experiences – Ensuring equitable opportunities across all programs.
- Performance-driven – Encouraging excellence on and off the field.
- Safety on and off the field of play – Prioritizing health, well-being and best practices in sport safety.
- Collaboration – Strengthening relationships with members, partners and stakeholders.
- Service excellence – Enhancing the experience of all those involved in Canadian university sport.
With this new roadmap, U SPORTS is poised to enhance the competitive landscape of Canadian university sports while fostering the academic and athletic development of student-athletes.