Stevenson will sponsor football at the varsity level beginning in 2011, following a “developmental season” this fall.

The school, a member of the Capital Athletic Conference, hopes to recruit 40 to 50 student-athletes for the sport this fall and at least another 40 student-athletes by fall 2011, officials said.

“Football is a great fit for Stevenson and reflects our commitment to Division III sports and educating student-athletes,” said Paul Cantabene, associate director of athletics in charge of men’s sports. “Current students, alumni and prospective students have all expressed a strong desire in having football here.”

Officials said football will be a key to increasing its 2,700-student undergraduate enrollment as it seeks to grow to 4,000 undergraduates. Cantabene said program expenses will be offset by gains in admissions.

“Our geographic location is perfect,” said Tim Campbell, executive vice president for financial affairs and chief financial officer of the university. “Numerous high school students want to continue to play at the college level and there aren’t enough Division III opportunities.”

Stevenson will join Salisbury and Wesley as CAC football-playing members, as well as new league member Frostburg State. Current CAC member Gallaudet also sponsors football, but will join the North Eastern Athletic Conference in 2010-11 and will play football in the newly formed Eastern Collegiate Football Conference beginning this fall.

Stevenson plans to build a stadium on its campus in Owings Mills, Maryland, and recently purchased a practice facility that once was used by the National Football League’s Baltimore Colts and later by the Baltimore Ravens.

Football will be the 19th varsity sport sponsored by the school.