Club sports have progressively become more and more popular. Kids decide they want to strengthen and improve in the sport they love. Club sports can help kids boost their skills and technique. It also is a way to stay active during what may be a long off-season.
Leanna Salahaldin, a club basketball and soccer player, explains her preferences and the differences between club and school season.
“For basketball and soccer, I’d pick a school because for clubs I can switch teams,” Salahaldin said. “For school, I have to play with the same people for the next three years of my life so I develop skills with them.”
Club sports date back years and years, and since then, their development has changed significantly. Each school offers a variety of sports to help younger athletes become the best of the best: volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, football, tennis, and so many more.
Laine Sheehan, a club volleyball player, shares the many things she’s learned over the years of playing.
“In club volleyball, I’ve learned to be a team player and to support everyone on the court no matter what,” Sheehan said. “I’ve also learned to develop my skills better on more specific things rather than broad things.”
Talented players do a lot in all of these sports. However, it’s the coaches who contribute their dedication and effort for each athlete to become successful.
Terry Spilker, head coach for Lakewood varsity volleyball and club coach, shares his coaching experience and wise words for athletes. Coaches can influence the player’s perspective of the sport. Spilker has been able to help players continue their success in volleyball and as an athlete overall.
“I’ve been coaching for 25-plus years,” Spilker said. “What I see is that everyone on the club team is there for the same reasons and has the same growth mentality. They want to get better and be the best they can be, and they love to compete. They all work hard for each other. So much time is spent together in practice and at tournaments they become friends.”
“If you are thinking of club sports, I would first caution you on the cost and time commitment,” Spilker said. “It may be more than you think and if your parents are going to pay for that experience and training, you need to be ready to commit to hard work and attendance. Also are you interested in playing other sports in high school? If you are then you need to ask the right questions of the club and your high school coaches to be sure that everyone can work together so you can do both.”
Spilker is one of many amazing coaches who help all club sports players develop a love for each sport, something they want to put 100% of their effort into.
As players grow in club sports, they move closer to trying to play in college or even professionally. There’s the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), which, after high school sports, if the players are dedicated enough, players can make it to college-level sports, going Division 3, 2, and if given the chance, Division 1. Then, there are even better opportunities for athletes to play professionally. Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, and many more.
Club sports can provide players with both technique and life skills. Learning commitment at a young age can help with future success in every aspect of being an athlete, working with others, and being on a team. A team in which you work together to succeed in everything.
Athletes will continue to grow in sports on and on in time. Club sports guide each of them into accomplishing everything they put work into. With the help of coaches to teach you skills and share their knowledge, players will learn and prosper.
