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Club Volleyball

While playing for a public-school team may be relatively easy, since all that is needed is to attend the school and try out for the team; playing for a club team is a little different.  First of all, it is generally more expensive.  The travel fees, tournament fees, food, coaching staff and refereeing is all payed for by those who belong to the club and/or sponsors. The costs of these organizations are seen as an investment since the college coaches are coaching during the regular high school season and are much more likely to be able to watch a player in action during the off-season, or club-ball season.

One of the most popular institutions in the “club ball” world is the Amateur Athletic Union. There is a lot of debate when it comes to AAU sports between professional athletes and coaches.   Former NBA star, Kobe Bryant, who is an open critic of AAU sports, said, “I hate it because it doesn't teach our players how to play the right way.  It's just a showcase.” Many other agree that it promotes the magnification of individual athletes, and diminishes the importance of being a team-player and winning. 

There a few more benefits that should not be overlooked, no matter what critics may say. The most significant of these benefits would be the level of competition, since most other athletes are part of these AAU teams for the purpose of being seen by college coaches, they are going to possess a higher skill level.  Anyone who plays sports knows that the better the competition, the speedier the improvement.  What better way to learn and improve than to play against the best competition available?

Another benefit of the AAU is that the organization is a great advocate for the Positive Coaching Alliance.  This means that the coaches of the club teams are more likely to promote self-confidence and build character in the most helpful and supportive ways.

On average, it can be expected that the total cost for playing on a club ball team will be anywhere from $400 to $4,000 a year.  But to get a college education paid for, and for an extension of a sports career, it could be minuscule in comparison.

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