Guilford College and the YMCA of Greensboro have agreed to suspend their relationship and close the on-campus YMCA branch, effective at the end of March. The YMCA has operated a community branch on the campus since 1980. Ultimately, these changes will allow for expansion in physical education and varsity athletics programs, according to a statement from the college.

Over 300 students play in intercollegiate athletics, with varsity softball a college sport for the first time since 1990, the statement said.

“I was not involved in the final conversation, but from what I know, the YMCA terminated with Guilford College,” Athletic Director Marion Kirby said.

“This will be the first time in two decades with no YMCA facilities on campus,” Kirby said. “Our facilities are not in great shape. We are going to consider options to upgrade facilities.

“This is a chance to upgrade what we’ve got, and I hope students will reconsider usage.”

YMCA operations in Northwest Greensboro will be consolidated to the Alex W. Spears III YMCA on Horse Pen Creek Road. The facility opened in June 2002 and is located about five miles from Guilford’s campus.