Week after week, the Boise State men’s club soccer team grinds out morning practices filled with drills, conditioning and scheming up plays.
Grit.
The non-stop competitiveness of this roster extends well beyond the field, with the team ultimately representing Boise State Men’s Soccer — as the university does not have a sanctioned varsity men’s soccer team.
Embarking on another season in the Intermountain Conference, the Broncos are slated for fifteen matches throughout the fall 2023 season.
These matches stretch from within the Treasure Valley to across the west. This includes playing against Treasure Valley Community College and College of Idaho, all the way to Utah where they compete with Weber State, Utah Valley and University of Utah.
“All matches are prepared for the same way with the same detail, and expectations. It’s not beneficial to our team or players to take any game or tournament less seriously than another,” Mick Dulhanty, head coach said. “We aim to train, prepare, and execute during every game throughout our year.”
The goals for this team revolve around postseason success. The National Soccer Championships (NIRSA), are in sight for the club each season.
“During this season, the goals we set out to complete included making it into the NIRSA National Championships Series and placing well,” Dulhanty said. “We put a lot of emphasis on developing very talented and gifted players, while recruiting the best athletes to join our program from our student body.”
Synonymous with many other athletic clubs that Boise State offers for students, this club is entirely self funded.
“Being self-funded comes with many difficulties. As a coach I have spent thousands of dollars purchasing training equipment like balls, cones, agility poles, bibs, dummies, etc to give the players the best training environment for maximum development,” Dulhanty said. “We are limited on what tournaments and away travel we can participate in because the expenses are high to travel with 20 players and staff.”
The combination of practice equipment, clothing, other gear and travel expenses accumulate quickly, making fundraising essential to the logistical side of campus recreation.
“We struggle to operate at the most elite level because our program is afforded the ability to have trainers, nutritionists, weight room staff, tutors, and other things the NCAA teams have,” Dulhanty said. “However, with adversity comes great opportunities to look for creative ways to find success, and perform at a high level. We use our funds the best way we can, and make the most of every dollar that comes into the program.”
Campus recreation is a vital part of student-life on campus. Students who utilize this outlet at Boise State are provided many opportunities to build relationships outside of the classroom setting.
“This club is a great way to meet a lot of new people,” Nick Coldiron, club president said. “We do things together outside of soccer, whether it’s tailgating before football games or hanging out on the weekends.”
The dedication of this program runs well beyond the pitch. The team, much like other varsity sports on campus, spends time evaluating film.
The general consensus of both staff and players is the hope that Boise State eventually develops a mens varsity team.
“I have wanted to coach at the NCAA level since I took over three years ago. BSU has so many potential players reaching out about information and wanting to come play from all over the country,” Dulhanty said. “I field hundreds of emails, DM’s, recruiting letters and videos from students every year.”
Given the opportunity, there is no doubt that this team would be head over heels to become a varsity sanctioned team.
“We have the base to build from if given the chance to participate at the Varsity Level, and would provide a phenomenal student athlete experience on campus,” Dulhanty said. “Our players strive everyday to operate at the D1 level without the financial backing, and given the chance, the current players we have would be a great asset to the University’s student-athlete population. Idaho deserves to keep its best players in state, and having the only D1 program available for men’s soccer would be a huge lift to our state’s soccer community.”
Despite their success and home turf of Lincoln Field being a prime location on campus, the crew has struggled to welcome fans to home games.
Traveling is an integral part of Boise State club sports, and is dependent upon fundraising from members of the club.
“We have dues every season, which is $600 per player,” Coldiron said. “We are involved in fundraisers like Bronco Giving Week, or working at football games to help with costs. The school is also helpful in lending money.”
Donations can be made online and are tax deductible.
If you are interested in joining this program, the steps are simple.
“To join the team is pretty easy, come out to a practice and see how you like it,” Coldiron said. “Anyone is welcome to email me or Coach Dulhanty.”
The Broncos will wrap up their season with the Regionals tournament.
