Club volleyball is big commitment for parents — and kids

For nearly six months Joyce Wlodarczyk shuttled her 11-year old daughter to volleyball six days a week.

"She was playing in school and on the club team," said the Illinois woman during her daughter's volleyball match in the 12-and-under division of the Junior Olympic Girls Volleyball Tournament at the Salt Palace. "She also wanted to get stronger at hitting so she goes to a trainer three days per week, which is an additional expense. I know it's crazy, but it was her idea. She loves it!"

Her daughter, Alyssa, began playing volleyball in fourth grade at school. The elementary school coach started a club team last fall, and Alyssa and her friends all joined. In addition to an extra $1,000 fee, it means three extra days of playing volleyball.

"We didn't know if they'd get burned out or not," said Wlodarczyk. "But they've been playing for eight months and aren't tired of it at all."

Like many parents, Wlodarczyk believes the investment of time and money will pay dividends in many ways.

"For scholarships, this is where it's at," she said. "In our area, they don't even look at high school games anymore . . . It also keeps them out of trouble; it keeps them focused. My daughter was very, very shy, and it's helped her come out of her shell."

Her friend, Diane Balamut, said her daughter Lindsey has learned a lot about relationships playing volleyball.

"It keeps them disciplined," Balamut said. "You have to play as a team in this game, and you have to learn to work with each other."

In some places, if athletes don't play club volleyball they won't even compete when it comes to high school, let alone college.

"If they want to play high school . . . they've got to be playing some club sports in order to even make the team," she said.

Club programs have become increasingly competitive — even at the youngest age divisions. One reason is that many programs have turned to experienced coaches to teach the girls at the very youngest levels.

"The girls are really improving their skills," said Pam Buzo, who's daughter plays on the Delta Valley 12-and-under club team out of California. "The coaches are really teaching them good, basic skills. There's an interest in specializing, and getting training, and players are starting at younger ages. Some of these kids have been playing since they were 10 on a 12s team."

She said the expense is significant, but less than what she was paying for her daughters to participate in competitive cheerleading.