There are many reasons why a high school athlete might want to make his or herself better at a sport; because you want to be more marketable for college scouts, you have pressure from parents, or you just want to improve to benefit your high school team, joining a club involving your sport can benefit you in all of those ways. For almost all sports, there are organizations near you that you can join. Depending on the sport and where you go, prices can vary but usually are expensive. However, within the club you receive weekly  practices, games/tournaments, training during your off season, and new friends. There’s also more of a chance to be seen by college scouts. The opportunities are endless.

Brady McKee

Grade: 9

Sport: Basketball

Club team: Top Level All-Stars which depending on the team, families can expect to pay $400 to $4,000 per summer to play, including uniforms. That does not include transportation to and from practice or games, hotel rooms, food, gas or admission for those not playing.

1.     What is different about your club than others?

We’ve been together for a long time. Our team chemistry is great because we’ve learned how to play with each other.

2.     Would you say that your skills have greatly improved/how does it benefit you?

Yes. At first before I played with a club team I was not as good of a player, but since I’ve played for 6 years I’ve learned a lot and improved. If I didn’t play AAU basketball I may have not been as good as I am today or love the game as much as I do now.

3.     What opportunities has club opened up for you?

Playing against better competition and making me a better player.

4.     How different is club basketball from school basketball?

A lot different because in club it’s all weekend tournaments and win and advance games where as in school it’s a longer season and there is WPIAL sections and playoffs.

5.     Would you recommend doing a club sport to anyone else?

Yes. If you have the chance please do because it really helped me improve.

6.     How can you get introduced or involved?

You can go tryout for different teams that are in your area and try to play for one.

7.     When is your season and does it interfere with school sports?

My season is from late march to the end of June. It does not interfere much with school sports because I don’t play anything in the spring except AAU If you did play a spring sport, you may have trouble making time to play AAU

Lindsie Galbreath

Grade: 10

Sport: Soccer

Club team: Northern Steel which can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

1.     What is different about your club than others?

We have multiple regional championships and state cup wins.

2.     Would you say that your skills have greatly improved/how does it benefit you?

Since joining Steel my level of playing has greatly improved in many ways. I’m benefitted with an easier way to pick colleges and staying physically fit.

3.     What opportunities has club opened up for you?

Many college scholarships and a diverse friend group.

4.     How different is club soccer from school soccer?

We travel across the northern region to play and the girls on the team come from multiple schools.

5.     Would you recommend doing a club sport to anyone else?

Only if you have the dedication, commitment, and time playing a club sport requires.

6.     How can you get introduced or involved?

There are tryouts in the summer, but you can contact the coaches any time for an introduction to the team

7.       When is your season, does it interfere with school sports?

The season is all year long except for when high school soccer is in session.

Sarah Armahizer

Grade: 11

Sport: Volleyball

Club Team: Pitt Elite which cost around $1,600

1. What is different about your club than others?

I have played and tried out for a bunch of club teams but this one stuck out to me because everyone is so close, they instantly made me feel welcome.

2. Would you say that your skills have greatly improved/how does it benefit you?

I think I have improved just because different coaches teach me different things. I learn more and more from each one and benefit from it.

3. What opportunities has club opened up for you?

It keeps me from getting rusty because I am playing when school season is over and it keeps me in training.

4. How different is club volleyball from school?

Club is a completely different atmosphere, the tournaments are so much more intense and the tempo of the game speeds up immensely.

5. Would you recommend doing a club sport to anyone else?

I would definitely recommend it just for the fact you meet so many new people. It makes it worth it.

6. How can you get introduced or involved?

People are always watching during school season. People will offer for you to play club or ask who you play with. Also, Coach Geist for Knoch hands us flyers for club teams.

7. When is your season, does it interfere with school sports?

My season started in December and lasts through May. It is a huge commitment and makes it impossible to play any other school sports during these months.

8. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Club season introduced me to some of my closest friends even girls I played with three years ago I am still close with.