Laurentian University Sport Administration Program or SPAD occupies a unique place in the history of education and sport in Canada. Launched in 1972, it was a literal game-changer by addressing a critical gap identified by Clarence Campbell, then commissioner of the National Hockey League. Campbell publicly pointed out that many business leaders were knowledgeable about a track record but lacked understanding of the sports world in which they operated.

In response, the director of the Laurentian School of Business and the director of the School of Physical Education came up with the idea of ​​developing a specialized program to bridge this gap. They formed a committee that included Clarence Campbell, commissioner of the CFL, Jake Gaudaur, general manager of the Montreal Expos, the president of Hockey Canada, various other executives and professors from Laurentian University.

Anthony Church, Director of the Sports Administration Program at Laurentian, says, “All of these influential people formed our first advisory board that designed the curriculum for a new business school that was unlike any other program . » Throughout its 53-year history, the program has benefited from an advisory board and strong industry connections that allow it to evolve and change as the industry evolves and changes.

First of its kind in Canada

As the first university in Canada to offer a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in sports administration, Laurentian’s SPAD program puts sport and business on equal footing. Students understand the unique dynamics of sports management, from player contracts to team marketing, ensuring they can navigate both the boardroom and locker room. For example, when professors talk about generating more revenue, they would use the example of redesigning the Rogers Center rather than talking about Walmart’s shelves and floor space.

The student cohorts of the 4-year program are small by design. First-year enrollment capacity is limited to approximately 50 students due to the many experiential learning, job placement, and internship opportunities. Students learn practical skills and engage with decision-makers in the sports industry. This is a popular program and most students come from outside Greater Sudbury. Church says, “Athletics executives often talk to prospective students about this program. Incoming students are almost always connected to an alumnus or someone in industry who told them about the program. Students gain a lot through industry speakers, special events, networking, internships, and consulting projects. Students also shadow with a sales team.

Laurentian is unique in that it has two business schools. One is the traditional School of Business Administration and the other is the School of Sports Administration.

Put students on a career path

Piper Lehtimaki Croisier is a 4th year SPAD student who has always had a passion for athletics. She said: “I was always interested in sport and loved mathematics. When I looked into the SPAD program, I decided it was exactly the educational and career path I wanted to follow.

Lehtimaki Croisier’s next steps will likely be pursuing an MBA or attending law school. She says: “My dream job is to be a sports agent. I was inspired after attending a sports business conference with other students in Montreal. I heard from a speaker who runs his own sports agency representing athletes and I didn’t even know that was an option in the sports business sector. I said that’s exactly what I wanted to do.

As an intern, Lehtimaki Croisier worked with the Canada Games Council, which is planning the 2025 Summer Games. She says, “It was a great opportunity to learn more about organizing and hosting sporting events. SPAD opens many doors for students. My experience at SPAD was fantastic. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the alumni council, do an internship, attend conferences and the professors are fantastic.

The Capstone experience is a highlight for students

During their final semester, students will complete an international consulting project with a sports organization in a specific market. Students who act as consultants will spend months working on possible solutions to a company’s real-world problems. Church says, “When we go to market at the end of the semester, our students will present to company executives in their conference room as consultants recommending solutions to their problem. Instead of looking at case studies from the past, Laurentian students are solving business problems of the present.

In 2009, students made recommendations to an American university regarding the use of social media. After the presentation, as students toured campus, the school was already implementing some of the students’ suggestions. Church adds, “When organizations hear our students’ presentations, they are often amazed by the level of professionalism and depth of knowledge the students bring. »

Next month, SPAD students will travel to Germany to present to Adidas executives. Last year, students were in Los Angeles to work with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and the LA Galaxy, a men’s professional soccer club. For 40 years, Laurentian students have been carrying out capstone projects, representing Laurentian University around the world.

Developing sports professionals for the global world

Laurentian University is proud of its sport management program and its graduates. Anthony Church says, “Most of the Canadian sport system was built at a time when our program was starting to produce graduates. They have been present in the industry thanks to the expansion of the NHL, the birth of the Blue Jays and the Raptors and the organization of the Olympic Games on Canadian soil. We had never hosted an Olympic Games until four years after our program was established.

Kyle Davidson, general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, is a SPAD graduate who was also born and raised in Sudbury. Another accomplished alumnus is Tom Greco, CEO of Advanced Auto Parts, a Fortune 500 company. Many of their graduates go on to work in traditional industry. With a bachelor’s degree in business, SPAD graduates can pursue other paths and work anywhere in the business world. Church adds, “The employment prospects for our graduates are quite high compared to other sports management programs that do not offer a business degree. » About a third of our students work outside the sports industry.

Many students involved in sports are outgoing, team players, disciplined, and have an excellent work ethic, qualities sought by business leaders. Church says, “Many taught and innate skills in our students make them very attractive employees. We attract excellent students, which is why we develop excellent alumni.

In the early 1980s, many sales-oriented organizations, such as insurance and packaged goods companies, were recruiting through the SPAD program because they valued the skills of their graduates. Church says, “Sports is not a limiting factor but rather an enhancement that develops the type of employees most organizations would want to hire. »

The best of both worlds

The Sports Administration program at Laurentian University combines a passion for sport with a solid foundation in business. It’s not just about understanding the game, but also knowing how to create, manage and market organizations that make the world of sports and business thrive.

The program gives students who have business acumen and a heart for sports the business acumen that companies are eager to hire.

Discover training opportunities and career possibilities in Laurentian University Sport Administration Program.