How to Start a Volleyball Club Team?

At first glance, it might seem that making a volleyball team is as easy as ticking a list of boxes on a fancy checklist. But this is not the case at all. Having a committed volleyball club team that could take your club to new heights of progress is a mighty task.

And let me be dead honest here. Not every volleyball club mentor or owner manages to make an effective team that could run the operational affairs of the club and make a volleyball team that could go and defeat the top boys out there.

This is why I am having an article about how you can make a volleyball club team that will make your club stand out from the thousands of other clubs. And what are the ways you can recruit the best players in your volleyball team, which could defeat other teams in nearly every tournament?

First thing first, I will discuss the method of making a club volleyball team that will be the building block of a successful volleyball club.

(After this, I will tell you the ways with which you can recruit the best volleyball players in your team and the skills you need to look into these players.)

How to Start a Volleyball Club Team

Here is your step by step guide:

Identify your purpose and goals of starting a Volleyball Club

Start by defining your purpose of making a volleyball club. Most of the time, people start volleyball clubs as a business opportunity that could help them make good money. At the end of the day, they expect some return from all the efforts they are putting in (and they have all the right reasons for starting the club for business purposes.)

Apart from having a sustainable business, some secondary motives for making a volleyball club include the following:

• Providing training to young athletes.
• Helping players compete at national and international levels.
• Promoting the game of volleyball in the community.

Research and plan as per your Goals

Once you have the purpose and plan in mind, research about the effectiveness of that plan so that you can know what to expect out of the new avenue you are starting.

Conduct research on the club volleyball landscape in your area. Identify any existing clubs and determine if there is a need for a new team. Research any requirements, rules, and regulations set forth by your local or national volleyball governing body. This information will help you understand the necessary steps you must take to register and operate a club volleyball team.

Develop a budget for Starting the Club Volleyball Team

Creating a budget is essential for the financial stability of your club. The most important cost associated with starting a volleyball club team is the cost of starting and maintaining a club volleyball team, including facility rentals, equipment, coaching fees, uniforms, insurance, and travel expenses.

The potential sources of income for your volleyball club include membership fees, sponsorships, fundraising events, and winning money which your teams might win during different competitions. A comprehensive budget will help you make informed decisions as you allocate resources for your club.

Assemble the Club’s Logistics and Operational Team

Identify the key roles and responsibilities required to run a successful club volleyball team. 

Some of the important human resources you need are:

• Head coach
• Assistant coaches
• Team manager
• Treasurer
• Marketing Coordinator.

Reach out to your network or advertise open positions to find qualified individuals who share your passion for volleyball and are committed to the club’s success.

Register your club

Contact your local or national volleyball governing body to register your club and obtain any necessary certifications or permits. Be sure to comply with all regulations to avoid running into any legal trouble.

Secure a facility and equipment

The next step is to find a volleyball facility where you can open a club and let your team practice. At this stage, you may need to negotiate rental agreements with local schools, community centers, or private sports facilities.

Ensure the venue meets the requirements set forth by your governing body and is accessible to all team members. Also, you might need to purchase the necessary equipment, such as volleyballs, nets, and training aids, to support your team’s development.

Select and recruit players to Play in Your Volleyball Club Team

Now is the time you start making your volleyball team that will actually play for your club: Here is your complete guide of how you can do it.

Hold open tryouts

Organize open tryout sessions, during which athletes can showcase their skills and compete for a spot on your team. For this purpose, you will certainly need to know about volleyball jamborees and social volleyball events, where it is easy to find talent. Advertise the tryout dates and requirements through local schools, community centers, and social media to reach as many potential players as possible.

Collaborate with local schools

Reach out to physical education teachers and school volleyball coaches to identify talented players who may be interested in joining your club team. Provide information about your club and its objectives, and ask for referrals.

Attend school and community games

Most schools are busy finding volleyball clubs that could recruit the top talent from them and train them into potential champions. This is your opportunity. Get yourself engaged in the gaming activity of different schools where you find the best talent available for your volleyball club team.

Host clinics and workshops

Organize volleyball clinics and workshops for players of all skill levels. This provides an opportunity to introduce your club to potential players while offering skill development and training.

Leverage social media and online platforms

Use social media channels and online platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and local sports forums, to promote your club and share information about upcoming tryouts or events. Have a presence on all the social media platforms, as it will market your club to different team members. Create engaging content that highlights your club’s successes and attracts potential players.

Network with other volleyball clubs

Establish relationships with other volleyball clubs in your region. This can help you identify players who may be looking for a new team or a different competitive environment.

Offer scholarships or financial assistance

Many players are confused about whether or not they need to join volleyball clubs. Some of them are even hesitant to join clubs since they can’t afford them. This is where you can attract top talent by offering scholarships and financial assistance to them.

Participate in local events and festivals

Set up a booth or host a demonstration at local events and festivals to raise awareness about your club and attract potential players. Engage with the community and promote the benefits of joining your volleyball club team.

Develop a strong club reputation.

By building a successful and well-regarded club, you will naturally attract talented athletes who want to be part of a competitive and supportive environment. Focus on player development, sportsmanship, and fostering a positive club culture to create an appealing program for potential players. And players will give you back.

Encourage word-of-mouth referrals

Encourage your current players, coaches, and club supporters to spread the word about your club and its benefits. Personal recommendations can be a powerful tool for attracting new players to your team.

Remember to have a transparent and fair selection process when recruiting players, ensuring that all potential athletes have an equal opportunity to join your club volleyball team. I had seen clubs reaching new heights when they enforced a transparent system.

Non-technical Skills to See in Players While Making a Volleyball Team

While it is always advisable to hire talented players who have a firm command over their playing area, you must focus on some general skills that should be present in each and every player you find for your volleyball team. For example,

• Do the players have the ability to stay determined during the pressure situation?
• Do they have the tendency to get panicked when the game enters a crucial situation?
• Do they have the capability to beat all the odds and bounce back from the situation when they are losing a one-sided game?
• Do they cooperate with other players and coaches?
• Will the players incorporate feedback to improve their game?
• Even though they have the necessary skills, are the players coachable and take coaches seriously?
• Do the players pick up their teammates when they are at the lowest point in their careers?

While these tips may look like something that can be compromised, they are as necessary as any other technical skill in the volleyball game.

Being a son of a professional volleyball coach and a person who has been in touch with the game for the last 10 years, I have seen players who can’t take a tiny bit of pressure even after coming to the top of their game.

Also, I have seen players who have the best possible games, but they just bring too much negative energy in the team. So avoid those players.

At the end of the day, volleyball coaches treat such players as a liability on the team since they are unable to change themselves.

Develop a training program.

Now that you have the team to play for your club, it’s time to develop their training program. 

Work with your coaching staff to develop a comprehensive training program that focuses on skill development, physical conditioning, and teamwork.

Establish a regular practice schedule and set clear expectations for athletes’ attendance and commitment. Provide ongoing feedback and support to help players improve and reach their full potential.

Promote your club to Get Maximum Outreach

Your club will only grow if you are willing to market it. What is the use of the volleyball club that is unknown in the eyes of players?

This is why you need to create a marketing plan to raise awareness of your club volleyball team and attract new members, sponsors, and supporters.

For this purpose, you will need to create a club website, design promotional materials, and maintain a social media presence. Host events, such as open houses, clinics, and exhibition matches, to showcase your club to the community

Establish a club culture and code of conduct

Fostering a positive club culture is essential for the success and longevity of your team. Develop a code of conduct that outlines the values and behaviors expected of all team members, including athletes, coaches, and staff. 

It is important to encourage sportsmanship, respect, and inclusivity both on and off the court. Hold regular meetings to discuss club culture and address any concerns or conflicts that arise.

Participate in competitions and tournaments.

Identify local, regional, and national competitions and tournaments in which your club can participate.

Register your team and ensure that all players meet the eligibility requirements. Competing against other clubs will provide valuable experience for your athletes and help gauge the progress and success of your program.

Plan for growth and sustainability

As your club volleyball team gains recognition and success, consider strategies for growth and long-term sustainability. This may include expanding your program to include additional teams or age groups, offering specialized training opportunities, or partnering with other clubs or organizations. Continually evaluate your club’s progress and adjust your goals and strategies accordingly.

Engage in fundraising and seek sponsorships

This is important if your club is not making money out of membership fees. To support the financial stability of your club, engage in regular fundraising activities and seek sponsorship opportunities.

Fundraisers can take many forms, such as selling merchandise, hosting charity events, or organizing donation drives. Approach local businesses and organizations for potential sponsorships, emphasizing the benefits of supporting your club, such as increased brand visibility and community engagement.

Encourage parental involvement and volunteerism.

Parents play a crucial role in whether or not their kids join a volleyball club team. This is the reason you need to involve parents in the process.

Encourage them to get involved in various capacities, such as assisting with transportation, event planning, or fundraising efforts. By creating a strong support network, you’ll foster a sense of community and ownership among all stakeholders.

Evaluate and adapt

Once you have the volleyball club team up and running, it’s time to develop an accountability mechanism that could make any necessary changes in the system if the need be.

For this purpose, we must develop a rigorous feedback mechanism for athletes, coaches, parents, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement or potential opportunities for growth. Also, you must adapt and evolve your club’s strategies, programs, and culture to ensure long-term success and a positive experience for all involved.

Final Words

Making and maintaining a volleyball club team is a long process. You can’t expect to turn things around in one day. Always remember that each and every step described above is critical to the success of your volleyball club. And the most important part of the whole process is to recruit the right people for your team as they are the ones who will play for your team at the end of the day.