In North America, the phrase college sports resonates with an unmistakable power. Whether it’s the thunderous roars echoing across stadiums during NCAA football games or the intense atmosphere of March Madness, college sports are not merely a precursor to the professional leagues, they are a cultural phenomenon in their own right. The Philippines, too, has developed a deep-rooted connection to college sports, where basketball in particular ignites fierce rivalries, drawing thousands to arenas for the UAAP and NCAA tournaments. The passion in these nations, for many, is the backbone of their sporting identity. So why hasn’t the UK followed suit?
Embed from Getty ImagesLet’s consider the American model first. For decades, college sports have produced some of the most iconic athletes the world has ever seen. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, these are names that transcend basketball and have come to symbolise excellence, not just for their professional achievements, but for their origins in the college game. And it’s not just basketball. College football has been the breeding ground for legends like Barry Sanders and Bo Jackson, athletes who inspired generations through their performances on Saturdays before they ever set foot in an NFL stadium. The fervour surrounding these players’ collegiate careers, with packed stadiums and multi-million-dollar broadcasting deals, speaks to the immense cultural and commercial value of college sports in North America.
Even in the Philippines, where basketball reigns supreme, college games command a near-religious following. The energy in the stands is electric. It’s a place where school pride runs deep, and students live for the day their alma mater clinches a victory. The excitement surrounding these games creates a bond between young athletes and their communities, cementing the importance of sport in society at an early stage.
Embed from Getty ImagesNow, cast your eyes over to the UK. There is no such widespread devotion to university-level sport, and that begs the question: why? The talent is there. UK universities undoubtedly house remarkable athletes across multiple disciplines, but the infrastructure, support, and perhaps most crucially, the passion are not. Football, rugby, tennis and cricket dominate the professional scene, yet the college roots of these sports fail to blossom into anything significant.
What the UK can learn from North America and the Philippines is the importance of fostering this passion at an earlier stage. College sports not only create stars but also give communities an emotional stake in their success. Schools become the proving ground, where talent meets opportunity, where young players refine their skills, and where lifelong bonds are formed between athletes and fans. It’s not just about grooming the next generation of professionals; it’s about creating a culture where college games are a defining part of the national identity.
Embed from Getty ImagesImagine the UK adopting a system where university football or basketball games held the same weight as those in America or the Philippines. Imagine seeing stadiums packed with passionate students, alumni, and locals rallying behind their teams. It could spark a new wave of national pride, and more importantly, cultivate future stars who will thrive on that early exposure to the big stage. To create this shift, it will take more than just mimicking the structures of North American college sports. The UK needs to instil a sense of pride, belonging, and urgency around its university-level athletes. Schools, media outlets, and sporting bodies must come together to highlight these young stars, creating a pathway not just for those destined for the Premier League or Wimbledon, but for all sports, across all levels.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn many ways, the lack of a college sports culture in the UK feels like an opportunity missed. The talent is there. The passion could be there. It’s time for the UK to embrace it and make college sports not just an afterthought, but a vital, celebrated part of British sporting life. If we’re to compete with the likes of North America or the Philippines in cultivating homegrown talent, we need to start in the same place they do on the college courts and fields where the future of sport is forged.
