About George Mason Club Football
George Mason Club Football was established in 1992 and continues to provide students with the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate football while pursuing their academic goals. The team is a recognized Club Sport within George Mason Recreation and competes in the National Club Football Association (NCFA), the leading organization for collegiate club football programs nationwide.
The program seeks students who are committed to success both in the classroom and on the field. While the team competes at a highly competitive level, academics remain the top priority. Participation in George Mason Club Football allows student-athletes to extend their playing careers while developing leadership, discipline, and time-management skills that support long-term success.
It is important to note that George Mason Club Football is not affiliated with NCAA athletics and does not offer athletic scholarships. Admission to George Mason University is entirely independent of participation in the program. Students interested in financial aid or merit-based awards should contact the relevant university offices, as coaches and program staff are not involved in these processes.
Through the support of volunteer coaches, student leadership, and George Mason Recreation, the program provides participants with the equipment, resources, and structure necessary to compete at a high level. Club football at George Mason continues to thrive as a unique opportunity for students to remain actively involved in the sport they love while advancing their academic careers.
George Mason Club Football FAQ'S
Is George Mason Club Football an NCAA program?
No. George Mason Club Football is a recognized Club Sport within George Mason Recreation. The team competes in the National Club Football Association (NCFA) and is not affiliated with NCAA athletics.
Is George Mason University pursuing NCAA football in the future?
No. George Mason University is not currently pursuing the addition of an NCAA varsity football program. George Mason Club Football operates exclusively as a competitive club sport.
Does participation in George Mason Club Football impact admission?
No. Admission to George Mason University is entirely independent of participation in club sports. Prospective students should apply through the standard admissions process. Apply Online
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Are athletic scholarships available for Club Football?
No. George Mason Club Football does not offer athletic scholarships. All questions regarding merit-based aid, transfer scholarships, or financial aid should be directed to the appropriate university offices. Coaches and staff associated with George Mason Club Football are not involved in the financial aid process.
Can students receive merit-based aid if they are interested in playing Club Football?
Incoming freshmen: Students seeking merit-based aid must apply through the Office of Admissions. The priority deadline for merit aid consideration is November 1, and students are strongly encouraged to submit their application by this date. All questions related to merit-based aid should be directed to the Office of Admissions at admissions@gmu.edu. (703) 993-2000.
- Transfer students: Aid eligibility and application guidance are managed by the Office of Admissions, which can be reached at admissions@gmu.edu.
Financial aid (all students): Questions related to need-based support or other aid opportunities should be directed to Financial Aid Services.
Does enrollment status affect scholarship eligibility?
- Yes. Most merit-based scholarships require full-time enrollment (12+ credits) to be awarded and maintained. Students enrolled part-time may lose eligibility unless Admissions approves an exception. Contact the Office of Admissions directly for questions related to merit-based aid.
Who handles questions about financial aid?
- The Office of Financial Aid manages all federal, state, and need-based aid. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (703) 993‑2949 or finaid@gmu.edu with questions about need-based aid.
ENROLLMENT: FULL-TIME vs. PART-TIME
What are the enrollment requirements to participate?
To participate in George Mason Club Football, students must meet the following criteria:
Undergraduate students: Enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours (degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking) and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Graduate students: Enrolled in at least three credit hours and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
NOVA Advance students: Actively enrolled in at least six credit hours toward their degree program, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and purchase a George Mason Recreation membership. Students must also be formally admitted into the Advance Program prior to August 1 to be eligible to participate.
What counts as full-time enrollment at George Mason University?
- Full-time undergraduate enrollment is 12 or more credit hours per semester. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 credits are considered part-time.
What are the implications of part-time enrollment?
- Part-time students may not be eligible for on-campus housing.
- Part-time enrollment may impact merit-based scholarship eligibility for incoming freshmen.
- NCAA eligibility clocks (e.g., Division I five-year clock) may not automatically start; student-athletes must contact the NCAA Compliance Office for individualized guidance.
Eligibility is verified each semester in accordance with George Mason Recreation and NCFA guidelines.
ncaa eligibility questions
Important Note: NCAA rules and policies are constantly evolving, and eligibility can vary depending on each student-athlete’s unique situation. The coaching staff and program administrators cannot provide determinations on NCAA eligibility. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance regarding eligibility, prospective student-athletes should contact the NCAA Compliance Office directly.
Does playing club football at George Mason University start my NCAA eligibility clock?
- This depends on the individual student-athlete and enrollment status. The George Mason Club Football office does not provide NCAA eligibility determinations.
Who should I contact for NCAA eligibility questions?
- Student-athletes should contact the NCAA Compliance Office directly. Contact information is available on the NCAA Eligibility Center website. This is the only way to receive an official, individualized answer regarding:
- Five-year eligibility clocks
- Seasons of competition
- Transfer eligibility
Pre-Participation Requirements
What must students complete before joining the team?
Prospect Request Form: Students interested in participating must complete the online prospect request form before arriving on campus.
Annual Sports Physical: A sports physical is required annually and must be completed using the official George Mason University physical form. The form is valid for 365 days from the exam date.
Baseline Concussion (ImPACT) Test: A baseline concussion test is required once during a student’s time at George Mason and must be completed before any contact drills. Testing may be scheduled with the university’s head athletic trainer by emailing jtolson2@gmu.edu.
Team Operations
What are the costs to participate?
Student-athletes are required to pay annual club dues. The amount varies each year depending on the team’s budget and travel schedule. Dues help cover expenses such as equipment, uniforms, travel (including buses and hotels), league fees, and referee costs.
Does George Mason provide medical insurance for football players?
No. All participants are required to maintain their own personal health insurance. George Mason University does not provide medical or accident insurance coverage for participation in club sports.
When are tryouts held, and how large is the roster?
Tryouts are typically conducted within the first two weeks of the academic year. The roster size is determined annually based on program needs and the coaching staff's evaluation.
What is the practice schedule?
George Mason Club Football practices are generally held in the evenings, most often from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and occasionally from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mondays are typically reserved for online film review. In contrast, on-field practices are scheduled throughout the remainder of the week. Because practices and meetings take place in the evening, students are encouraged to plan their class schedules to allow for consistent participation while maintaining sufficient time for academic responsibilities.
What level of commitment is expected?
Although George Mason Club Football is a club sport, the program operates at a highly competitive level. Attendance at all practices, meetings, and games is expected. Commitment to the program is a crucial factor in determining playing time and overall participation.
Who coaches the team?
The program is led by a staff of experienced volunteer coaches who dedicate their time to supporting and mentoring George Mason student-athletes.
Travel and Competition
How does the team travel to away games?
The team travels to away contests by charter bus. Overnight accommodations, when necessary, are covered in part by player dues and fundraising efforts.
What makes George Mason Club Football unique?
George Mason Club Football is one of the most established club football programs in the country, having been founded in 1993. It is also the only club team at George Mason with its own dedicated locker room facility.
Who is eligible to play?
Any George Mason student who meets the credit-hour and GPA requirements listed above may try out for George Mason Club Football. Prior football experience at the high school or collegiate level is strongly recommended due to the program's competitive nature.