Charlotte will field a football team in 2013, the school’s board of trustees decided Thursday.

The vote to add the sport was the result of a recommendation from Chancellor Philip Dubois and nearly two years of work by a committee set up to study the feasibility of adding football. The recommendation also included the addition of women’s lacrosse in 2016, field hockey in 2019 and a third women’s sport in 2023.

An announcement about next steps is expected in January.

The plan was supported by students, alumni and fans who have already reserved “seat licenses” for future season tickets.

“Going after what you want takes courage and achieving it takes everyone,” said Athletics Director Judy Rose. “Uniting this campus and this city with this game isn't a challenge – it’s an honor.”