A Parent’s Guide to Club Tryouts
Seven things all Parents need to know before registering for a Club’s tryouts

As a parent, choosing the right volleyball club for your child can be challenging, especially with all clubs hosting tryouts at the same time. during the fall season when many clubs are gearing up for tryouts in December, there are generally good opportunities for parents to drop-in .

While fall volleyball camps may seem like an excellent opportunity for skill development, there are several critical factors you should consider before making a decision. This guide highlights some concerns about fall camps offered by volleyball clubs and provides insight into how to ensure your child receives the best possible experience.

1. Pre-Selected Teams with Limited Open Spots

Many volleyball clubs enter the fall season with most of their teams already pre-selected. This means that the camps are often used to fine-tune existing teams rather than to evaluate and integrate new talent. As a result, there are typically very few open spots available for new players. This can be discouraging for athletes who are hoping to secure a position on a team, as they may not receive the attention or opportunities they need to showcase their abilities.

One of the biggest misconceptions about fall camps is that they are led by the club’s actual coaches. In reality, many of these camps are overseen by assistant coaches, university athletes or less experienced coaches rather than the head coaches who will be selecting teams in December. This can lead to inconsistencies in training quality and a lack of direct exposure to the decision-makers who could impact your child's future with the club.

Unlike other organized sports, volleyball camps do not always have standardized training or certification requirements for their coaches. This means that the quality of instruction can vary greatly from one camp to another, depending on the experience and training of the individual coaches. Parents should be aware that not all camps offer the same level of expertise, and the developmental benefits can be inconsistent.

In many clubs, athletes who have already been pre-selected for teams are often separated from new players during fall camps. These pre-selected athletes may train with their designated coaches in a different setting, leaving new players with less access to high-level coaching. This segregation can create an environment where new athletes feel excluded and unable to fully participate or demonstrate their potential.

Developmental athletes, who are typically younger or less experienced, are often overlooked in favor of more established players. These athletes may not receive the individualized attention they need to improve their skills and build confidence. In camps where the focus is on preparing already-formed teams, developmental players may be sidelined, resulting in a less enriching experience.

Fall camps run by clubs often prioritize preparing existing teams for the upcoming season rather than focusing on individual skill development. This approach can be limiting for new or developmental players who need more foundational training. Parents should look for camps that emphasize personal growth and skill-building rather than just team preparation.

Many fall volleyball camps come with significant costs, yet the return on investment (ROI) can be unclear, especially when considering the above issues. Parents may end up paying for a camp that does not offer the developmental benefits or team opportunities they were expecting. It's essential to carefully evaluate whether the camp justifies the expense based on your child's goals and the quality of the program.

Given these concerns, here are some tips to help you select the best fall volleyball camp for your child:

1. Research the Coaches: Ensure that the camp is led by experienced, qualified coaches who are invested in player development, not just team preparation.

2. Understand the Camp's Goals: Choose a camp that prioritizes individual skill development and offers opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their experience level.

3. Look for Transparency: Opt for programs that are clear about their selection process, coaching staff, and what athletes can expect from the camp.

4. Seek Recommendations: Talk to other parents or athletes who have attended the camp in the past to get an honest assessment of their experience.

5. Consider Alternative Programs: If the club-run camps don’t seem like the right fit, explore independent volleyball camps or academies that focus on holistic player development and offer more inclusive opportunities.

By being informed and asking the right questions, you can help ensure that your child has a positive, productive experience at a fall volleyball camp, setting them up for success both on and off the court.

Coach Luc Tremblay is the Founder and Head Coach of Volleyball Winnipeg. Luc has been coaching volleyball for 30+ years with athletes of all age classes and all abilities. He has developed most of the training techniques used by VISION coaches and is responsible for the coach development program at Volleyball Winnipeg. For more details on our Coach Resources, click here. 
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