Have you ever wanted to get better at your sport? Most teenagers play at least one sport in or outside of school. This article will tell you all you need to know about playing a club sport while it breaks down the costs and details.
Club Volleyball
As a club volleyball player myself, I can confidently say that it is one of the most expensive sports. With prices ranging from $3,500 – $7,200 in California, volleyball is a very costly environment. Clubs with lower prices usually have their own facilities or have sneaky fees that jump at you throughout the season. The average club season for high schoolers starts in November or December and ends in May – July. For age groups younger than high school, the season usually begins in September or October. Most travel club seasons include 2-3 travel tournaments. Popular tournaments commonly played by California clubs include Red Rock Rave located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Summer Soiree in Anaheim, California, and Far Western National Qualifier in Reno, Nevada. Most tournaments include multiple days and various age groups. Top clubs in SoCal consist of Balboa Bay, Tstreet, Coast, Wave, Momentous, and Sunshine.
Club Soccer
Soccer is one of the most popular club sports in California. The base prices range anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 based on age group and level of excellence. Many clubs have expensive add on fees for things like tournaments, uniforms, and travel. SoCal’s most popular clubs include Slammers FC, Patadores, Legends FC, and SoCal Blues. The normal club soccer season usually lasts from August through July. If you aren’t quite committed to playing at a big club, or want a cheaper option, there is another great opportunity called AYSO. AYSO age groups range from age 3 all the way up to age 18. As you get older, the fundamentals, rules, and area of the field get harder and bigger. AYSO seasons have a significantly cheaper price than club, as it only costs around $300. AYSO is a great opportunity to still be on a team and learn more about soccer while in a very close knit community. AYSO games and practices for Costa Mesa are usually at Jack Hammett Sports Complex located right behind Costa Mesa High School.
Club Baseball
Another commonly played club sport in California is baseball. For younger kids, Costa Mesa Little League is a common choice. Younger kids can play in CMLL until they get to minor A which usually ranges from ages 9-11. CMLL has 2 seasons, one in the fall as a pre-season or developmental option, and one in the spring which is mainly more competitive and more important. Prices for these seasons up to Minor A usually cost around $200 – $300. If you have aged out of Little League, there is another option that is similar called PONY ball. This program is made for 7th and 8th graders and prices range anywhere from $300 to $500+. One of the main tournaments attended by PONY ball players is called Cooperstown in Cooperstown, NY. If you are interested in playing at an even higher level, there are some clubs available. Top teams in SoCal include BPA baseball, Trosky, ZT Prospects, and OC Crush. A club season can cost around $1,500 – $6,000. Fall season for all levels is September through November, and spring season is February through May.
To conclude, club sports are great opportunities to make new friends and increase your excellence. The ones talked about in this article are very commonly played, but there are way more opportunities for different sports across the board. Club sports can be expensive, but overall they are 100% worth it.
