Starting in the fall of 2022, Eastern University will expand its athletic offerings with the addition of football. The Eagles will start to compete in the Middle Atlantic Conference the following fall.

“We look forward to the many ways this will positively impact the student experience at Eastern,” said Athletic Director Eric McNelley. “With the addition of Football as well as Cheer, Dance, and a Pep Band, students will have more opportunities to engage with our athletic department in a variety of ways.”

With Thursday’s announcement, the university officially kicked off its search for a coaching staff as well as starting a recruiting push.

The St. Davids-based school has also signed an agreement with Valley Forge Military Academy – which is less than a mile from Eastern University’s campus – to use their football and track facilities for the incoming programs. The work to resurface the football field and track as well as to update the indoor facilities has already begun.

President Ron Matthews made the announcement to Eastern Community, saying that he is looking forward “to programs sparking school spirit, more campus events, increased enrollment opportunities, and different experiences for our student body.”

Leading into this announcement, Eastern Athletics has been in an unprecedented period of growth. This past summer, the department hired full-time assistants in Athletic Communications, Athletic Training, and several key programs. 

Eastern is a member of the Middle Atlantic Conference and competes in the MAC Commonwealth for most of its sports. Eastern Football will join Albright, Alvernia, Delaware Valley, FDU-Florham, Lebanon Valley, Lycoming, King’s, Misericordia, Stevenson, Widener, and Wilkes in the MAC. 

Learn more about Eastern University’s announcement to expand its athletic offerings by introducing football on the University’s home page.