Getting Involved in Club/School Volleyball Today!

This blog is designed to educate parents/players that are new to the game and looking to get started. Maybe you moved from a different area, or your kid is looking for a new sport and their friends are playing volleyball.
It is important to research the clubs in your area to find out what the best fit is for your FAMILY. Club volleyball is a family commitment. It is a huge investment of time and money so this process should be taken seriously! Depending on the athlete’s skill level and when they get started will affect what clubs they will make a team for. The positive is there are over 100 clubs in the southeast (Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama) and the number continues to grow as more youth fall in love with volleyball.

Beginners Youth Training Program – Age 8 - 12: Find a local club with a youth volleyball training program. These programs are typically offered seasonally, and are twice a week, 4-8 weeks long and cost between $150-$300.
Tip: Look for a program that focuses on general skills before they start game play.
Beginners Club Team: Age 10 - 16: Kids tryout for teams based on their age and are offered a spot based on their skill level and athletic potential. Tryouts are in October – November. The season is typically December – April, 2 practices per week, 5-8 tournaments starting in mid-January, and cost between $1,000 - $3,000.
Tip: Find a team that looks like the athletes have a similar skill level and has a positive coach.
Competitive Club Team: Age 11 - 18: Yes, some start very young! Kids tryout for teams based on their age and are offered a spot based on their skill level and athletic potential. Tryouts are in October – November. The season is typically December – June, 2- 4 practices per week, 8 - 10 tournaments including travel tournaments, and cost between $2,500 - $5,000 per season.
Tip: Dive deeper into your research. At this level, it is no longer about playing with your friends, but playing on teams that best fit your level of commitment and dedication. Also, attend train for tryouts clinics and get to know the coaches.
Middle School Feeder Team: Age 12-14: Most High Schools have junior programs designed for kids to get involved at a younger age and start building the future! The middle school season is usually August – October. Since the sport is growing so fast, many schools do not have the capacity to take all the kids who want to play. If you do not make the middle school feeder team get involved with a beginners training program with a club.
High School Team: This is also getting more and more competitive. Not making the high school team can be devastating to players. Playing club will help you make the team! Coaches in Georgia can run tryouts at the end of May, and have preseason training throughout the summer. The actual season runs from August through the beginning of November if you make it to the state finals!

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