Gib Notes: How to Choose a Club
Gib Notes: How to Choose a Club *NOTE* This is not an exhaustive informational. This is one writer’s opinion of what to consider when looking for a club. A writer who has many moons of experience in coaching at all…
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*NOTE* This is not an exhaustive informational. This is one writer’s opinion of what to consider when looking for a club. A writer who has many moons of experience in coaching at all levels (elementary to NCAA).
If you are a parent looking for a volleyball club, they’re a lot of reasons to send a student-athlete to a club program, but which one is best. Here are a few topics to consider (in no particular order) before making that final decision.
Big club vs. small club:
I’ve coached at both types and there are benefits, either way, you view it.
Big Clubs – Tend to sell you on providing the best kids the best opportunity for exposure to college coaches and the ability for possible college scholarships. Facilities and travel to big tournaments are also a draw. Usually, these clubs own their facilities and host tournaments. Positives: better competition within the program. The club name usually brings notoriety to the player. Size may allow them to offer services such as videotaping and college recruitment advisor for a nominal cost. Negatives: Kids can become lost in the mix if placed on the second, third or fourth tier team. Cost and travel may be more than a smaller, more local team.
Smaller clubs-Tend to rent facilities and offer fewer teams and ages to choose from. They will also sell you on coaching experience and the ability to be more hands-on since there are fewer kids in the program. Positives: The child will most likely be on the number one or two team, which means a better chance of getting seen and compete with the best kids in the program. Coaches usually have been with the program for a long time and have lots of experience for all levels of play. Negatives: practice dates may be controlled by the facility being used. In house Scrimmages limited due to the number teams in the program.
Distance
Do you want to spend an hour in your car with your child going to volleyball practice? Some say yes as this is a forced way for bonding. Only you can decide how far is too far and if the quality of play, coaching, etc. is worth it. Local Clubs – Some stay local not only for distance but the local high school coach is involved with the program or all of their friend’s are in the club.
Money
Is it worth it? Are you getting out of it for your child what you put into it? Are there additional costs not covered in the base fee? suggestion: Look early and price shop if money is an issue. Do they offer multiple child discounts? What other “Discounts” can you receive if your child attends the club?
National vs. Regional teams
Some programs, big and small, offer both National or Regional teams. A National team is considered a traveling team: One who goes to many big-name tournaments nationwide looking for a National Qualifying event. Positive: Great recruitment exposure. Negative: Cost and travel. A Regional team is one who travels closer to home for tournaments, attends local qualifiers and usually 1-2 big tournaments during a season. Positives: Cost and lack of travel. Negatives: Lack of big tournament exposure.
Will this make your child happy?
I am not here to discuss that or other parenting tips, but layout the information I am familiar with. Not everything mentioned above is an exact science. I challenge you to make your own insights and please do the research!
I hope this helps you in searching for the right fit so your children have a positive volleyball experience!