Why is Club Volleyball so Expensive?

I have seen many volleyball athletes complaining about the high expenses of club volleyball. And they are right for all the reasons. Yes, volleyball clubs are expensive, but there is a reason behind it:

Club volleyball is so expensive due to the high cost of coaches and managers; tournament fees; travel and accommodation expenses for tournaments; rental, and maintenance of gyms; equipment, and uniform cost, and all the other hidden fees clubs may have. But you can lower this cost with proper planning.

Let’s see why club volleyball is so expensive.

Why is Club Volleyball So Expensive

Here are the reasons for the high cost of club volleyball. You are paying for all the following things when you sign up for the club.

Training and coaching costs

One of the primary reasons why club volleyball is so expensive is the cost of training and coaching. Volleyball clubs arrange fall ball seasons which are packed with highly actionable training.

Professional coaches charge a good amount of money from volleyball clubs, so they need to get this cost retrieved from members. 

Facility Rental and Maintenance Fees

Volleyball clubs and gyms have high rents, which increases the cost of club volleyball. In fact, volleyball and basketball seasons overlap, so the demand for gyms even increases significantly, which increases the rents of these facilities eventually.

Also, club management needs to repair the facilities, which adds up to the total cost of club volleyball.

Tournament entry fees

Another significant expense associated with club volleyball is tournament entry fees.

Tournament organizers typically charge a fee for each team that enters, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the size and prestige of the event.

In addition, many clubs require players to stay in hotels during tournaments, which can add to the overall cost.

Equipment costs

Volleyball nets, balls, and other gear can be quite expensive, and many clubs provide these things to players. This facility ultimately adds up to the overall cost of the volleyball clubs.

Even if the players have their own equipment, clubs require volleyball players to pay for these facilities. Not only this, but you also need to pay for a club kit or uniform, as most volleyball clubs have some sort of compulsion in kits.

Travel expenses

Another factor that contributes to the high cost of club volleyball is travel expenses. Almost all the clubs require players to travel to tournaments around the country, which can be quite costly. 

Membership Dues

Many club volleyball programs require players to pay membership dues in order to participate. These dues can add up quickly, especially if a family has multiple members playing on different teams.

Hidden Expenses

There are also a number of miscellaneous expenses, or what we call “hidden expenses,” that can add up quickly for club volleyball programs. These expenses can include things like team meals, transportation costs, and lodging expenses for away tournaments. It’s always recommended to talk to your club before taking admission about these hidden fees.

How Much Does Club Volleyball Cost

Here is a complete breakdown of the different types of fees included in volleyball clubs to give you a better understanding of what you are paying for:

Type of Fee	Charges (per season)
Club Fee	$1,000 – $5,000 (depends upon location, age group, level of play)
Tournaments fee	$500 – $2,000(depending upon the type of tournament)
Practice Fees (including practicing, strength and conditioning, skills clinic, program administration)	$500 – $1,500
Try out fees at clubs	$25 – $75
State Athletic Association registration	$15 – $50 per year
Traveling fees for tournaments	Depends upon how far is the tournament held
Hotel Fees	Depends upon the type of hotel and state you want to live.
Hidden Fees	Not always applicable. Some clubs charges it

Factors that Decide the Cost of a Volleyball Club

The cost of club volleyball depends on various factors, including:

• Your Geographical location
• The level at which you are playing in a volleyball club
• Your age (Volleyball clubs often have different packages for different age groups, as the level of training is different at every level.)
• The competition among volleyball clubs in your area (The more the competition, the lesser the price).
• Number of tournaments you play during the season
• The frequency of your travel with the club.
• Types of coaching your club provide
• Indoor facilities the club has (nets, equipment, uniforms, training, meals)
• The luxury your coaches have (yes, clubs pay a big salary to coaches, they live onsite most often and can stay in fancy hotels, and you have to pay for that)

How to Get Affordable Club Volleyball

Despite the high cost of club volleyball, it’s easy to find the best deals available in the market for cheap with the help of the following tactics:

Look for clubs that offer scholarships.

Most volleyball clubs provide scholarships to talented players. In fact, if you have an up-to-the-mark skill level and manage to impress selectors at the tryouts, you have a great probability of winning a volleyball club scholarship, as this is one of the objectives of volleyball clubs.

Many volleyball clubs are organizing fundraisers for the sole purpose of giving scholarships to the players. So always consider the scholarship if you can’t afford the volleyball club cost.

To search for the best volleyball club that offers scholarships near you, go to Google, type “Volleyball scholarship” + “[desired club name] or [state name], and you will find plenty of options out there.

Volunteer your time at the club.

Many volleyball clubs are always looking for volunteers to help with things like fundraising and administrative tasks. In exchange for your time, you may be able to receive a discount on your membership or even get your membership for free.

Get the equipment on Rent

Instead of buying your own volleyball equipment, you can rent it from the club or from a local sporting goods store. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you only play volleyball occasionally.

Carpool to tournaments

If you’re traveling to tournaments with your team, carpooling can help you save money on gas and hotel costs.

Payment plans

Many clubs offer payment plans that allow parents to spread out the cost of club volleyball over several months. Payment plans can help make the cost of club volleyball more manageable for families, particularly those who are on a tight budget. Parents should ask the club about available payment plans and any associated fees or interest charges.

Join Not for Profit Volleyball Clubs

There are plenty of volleyball clubs out there that are not in the business of making money. In fact, they run on a not-for-profit basis, which makes them highly affordable. You can consider joining those clubs as well.

Participate in Social Volleyball or volleyball jamborees.

If nothing works out, social volleyball tournaments and volleyball jamborees are always there to help you out. At these events, you will find many like-minded people who will help you in mastering the art of volleyball.

By breaking down the expenses into categories, parents and players can get a better idea of what the costs of club volleyball are and where the money is going. It’s important to consider all of these factors when evaluating the cost of club volleyball and determining if it’s a feasible option for your family.

Final Words

Whether or not you should join a volleyball club is a separate debate. But one thing is for sure: Club volleyball is expensive, which is worrying most of the players out there. However, it’s completely possible to be a good athlete without joining the volleyball club. At the end of the day, it’s easier than ever to learn about any game in today’s digital world, which is full of valuable resources.