School-sponsored activities (basketball, volleyball, football, band, etc) have participants of different ages and skill levels. When school sports are out of season, many athletes play club sports. Club activities are an organization of people who form teams based on a common interest in a certain activity, these are not recreational leagues; instead, they are highly competitive and are often where college coaches find recruits. Participating in club sports has become more important for athletes hoping to play at the next level. Many athletes play school sports to stay in shape for the club season. Both school and club activities offer something for every athlete, and it is important to find what best aligns with your goals and needs.
Each athlete needs to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of school and club athletics. Many people participate in both, but an abundance of athletes solely focus on either school or club activities. School sports are great for people looking for a less costly option and a smaller commitment. However, this does not mean there is no commitment involved and it often depends on the coach. School sports are also relatively cheap aside from purchasing the necessary equipment while clubs have become extremely expensive. The price can easily add up to $8,000-10,000 when traveling and hotel fees are added on top of the club fees. School athletics have little to no travel involved so parents won’t have to worry about travel expenses. Overall, school-sponsored sports are great for athletes and parents searching for a budget-friendly or less intense activity.
Though club sports are expensive, they provide an entirely different experience from school activities. The intensity level skyrockets in comparison to school-sponsored sports, and is often a more productive way of growing as a player. Club sports, such as volleyball, also have different tiers of difficulty that an athlete can try out for. At Lexington United Volleyball (club organization), athletes can try out for a regional, midwest, or national level team. Though there is no guarantee that an athlete will get the level they want, there is an automatic understanding of what type of team they are on. This means that athletes will get experience playing against other teams near and above their skill level. If a participant is hoping to play in college, playing with a club organization is necessary. College coaches often scout at highly populated tournaments because there will be a variety of talent from different age groups. There will not be one coach, but hundreds of them who may recognize a player. For an athlete who wants an intense experience that will help their path to recruitment, playing club sports is best.
If a player is debating participating in school or club sports (or both,) it is important to have a clear understanding of their goals and priorities. Are they wanting to play just for fun, or are they looking for a high level of competition and commitment? One is not better than the other, but it is crucial to understand what category you fall into.
