Club Costs & Travel

The biggest shock for many parents new to club sports is the overall cost, the time commitment and the amount of potential travel that can be involved.

Understanding the cost of club sports involves several components, making up what each club provides for their athletes at different levels of play. The major factors include: the region you play in, how many clubs are in that region, how competitive a club is in their sport nationally, and the size of the club itself. These are the main factors in the cost structure.

We will look at volleyball as our example. When your athlete makes a team, the dues you pay to the club provide: a certified coach, a practice facility with all necessary equipment, uniforms, multiple tournament entries and all necessary travel for the coaching staff. The major items not covered are travel for the athlete, hotel and food. Additionally, at the younger ages (15 and under) the club will usually require a parent/guardian to travel with their child.

Most clubs offer different levels of commitment that depend on the athlete’s ability and the family’s commitment. While not every sport and club name these levels the same, they basically break down into three categories;

National Teams ($$$$) – Highest level of competition. A player’s skill set is more advanced, and the athlete is further along in physical development. This level has practice several days per week with training sessions (i.e. weight training, plyometrics etc.) as part of their regiment. These teams will travel to multiple cities across the country to participate in National Qualifying Tournaments as well as regional & local tournaments. These teams have the top coaches and typically at least one assistant coach. These teams are highly competitive and require serious commitment from both player and parent. In highly competitive regions you can expect to pay $4000.00 to $6500.00 per season. In smaller regions you can expect to pay $2000.00 to $4000.00. That does not include travel costs.

Regional Teams ($$$) – Solid competition. A player’s skill set is solid, but there’s room for improvement. This level will practice a couple times per week and might offer extra training sessions. These teams will compete in regional (drivable) and local tournaments. The coaches provided at this level are very competent and the club may or may not have assistant coaches available. These teams are fairly competitive and are focused on refining skills and developing commitment to the sport. This team level typically plays fewer tournaments and usually do not participate in National Qualifying Tournaments. In highly competitive regions you can expect to pay $1500.00 to $2500.00 per season. In smaller regions you can expect to pay $500.00 to $1200.00. That does not include travel costs.

Metro Teams ($) – Newbies and Multi-sport athletes. A player’s skill set is still basic. This level will practice once or maybe twice per week. These teams will only play in local tournaments and will have an abbreviated season. This level of play is all about driving home the core fundamentals of the sport. The coaches provided are newer to coaching. Many times, these coaches are former players that came up through the club in their youth. In highly competitive regions you can expect to pay $500.00 to $800.00 per season. In smaller regions you can expect to pay $300.00 to $400.00.

Many clubs have programs that offer “scholarships” for players and families in need. If your situation is one needing assistance, don’t be afraid to talk with the club director or owner about assistance programs. In the event the club you selected does not have a scholarship program, talk with the director or owner of the club about your situation. They want your child to play and will try to help as best they can. Additionally, you can get creative with fundraising opportunities whether its club sponsored or not.