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How many colleges/universities in Canada have outdoor sports programs?
There is not a preexisting list of Canadian universities and colleges that offer outdoor sports programs. However, there are 128 universities and colleges that meet the criteria. Information regarding Canadian university and college level sports is found through U Sports, which oversees all Canadian university sports, and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), which oversees all college sports. In addition, there are three independent baseball leagues at the collegiate level. A complete listing of each university or college can be found in the attached spreadsheet.
findings
Focusing on universities, it is determined which sports listed on the U Sports website are traditionally played outdoors. This list of outdoor sports includes cross-country, field hockey, football, rugby, men's and women's soccer, and track & field. Sports that can be played outside but are played inside at university-level are not included. For example, while volleyball can be played outside, university-level competitions use indoor courts so it is not included. Then, through a cross-reference of each ranking, standings list, or schedule, the list for universities was compiled. Some Universities play all the outdoor sports, but some only play a portion of them.
Next, to determine the number of colleges in Canada that have outdoor sports programs, the same method was used as for universities. Based on information from the CCAA website, the list includes teams of outdoor sports including golf, men's and women's soccer, and cross-country. Once again, a cross-reference of each standings and teams list for these sports was ascertained to determine which colleges in Canada have these outdoor sports programs. The colleges were added to the list of universities.
CONCLUSION
Utilizing the sources available, it was determined there are 128 universities and colleges that offer outdoor sports program. These sports include cross-country, field hockey, football, rugby, men's and women's soccer, baseball and track & field. Sports that can be played outside but are played inside at college and university-level are not included. The complete list of schools can be found in the attached spreadsheet.