For Clubs

When thinking about a club sports organization, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not “small business.” However, that is precisely how directors of these outfits should be thinking about their operation if they are interested in growing and rising above the status quo. It is no secret that club sports are now a big business. A recent CNBC report, citing a study by the Sports Facilities Advisory, indicated that youth sports – in travel alone – comprised a $7 billion industry (1). Participation is way up. Forbes notes that somewhere over 35 million children are playing youth sports (2). The list goes on. As this has occurred, however, some club organizations have been reluctant to change any of their habits. When thinking of these through the lens of small businesses, however, this is not surprising. ...

Too often in the recruiting process, student-athletes can fall into traps that can not only hinder them, but have the potential to derail the process completely. While it’s important to take care of business academically and athletically, it is just as important to remember that coaches are recruiting people and families, not just athletes or students. Here are three traps to avoid in the recruiting process that will allow it to feel less chaotic and put you in better control. ...

At the end of high school, a student athlete may be headed in a variety of directions. They may be slated to play at a Division I school or for a Club Team. They could be headed to play their sport at a Division II or III program. However, there is another option that is often misunderstood: The Post-Graduate (PG) Year. ...

During the recruiting process, you will likely have many conversations and discussions with a number of college coaches. These may range from Division I to Division III to Club and anywhere in between. Regardless of your interest in a program, it’s imperative you handle yourself in an appropriate and respectful manner, regardless of your interest in the school. Here is why. ...

Playing a sport in college is not an easy thing to do. There are numerous high school players competing for limited roster spots. We believe there is a home for everyone at the next level, but that requires some work. As a high school student, you need to make sure you are doing everything in your power to be the best player you can be. Here are three ways to improve your game. ...

Prospective student-athletes are often so focused on their sport that they often forget that athletics are only one part of both the admissions process. As a high school student, you are not applying to the athletics program – you are applying to the school! As such, it’s imperative to ensure you are an attractive candidate to the college admissions officers, not just a potential coach. Here are three ways to bolster your college resume that have nothing to do with athletics. ...

With the proliferation of club teams and organizations, the recruiting process that once centered around a high school season has shifted to events occurring outside of high school competition. There are an almost overwhelming number of events one could conceivably attend, ranging from showcases to tournaments to college-run camps. But which events to attend? Here are three things to think about when doing your research. ...

It is no secret club teams have become vital to the recruiting process. While it is certainly possible to be recruited and not be on a club team, more often than not these organizations are the best way to get to the events college coaches will be recruiting at. Picking the right club team, however, is imperative. Here are a few tips when doing your research. All club teams are not created equal! Many are involved in the business for the wrong reasons (said more overtly: for your money), while others can overpromise but under-deliver. ...

Grades are of paramount importance and are the single most important thing in your control. Hard work in the classroom will always pay off! Coaches know that athletes who do not perform in the classroom are more likely to become academically ineligible or have issues in college, which is a risky proposition from their standpoint. If a coach has only one spot left and must choose between two athletes of equal talents, they will always select the better student. Here are a few tips to ensure you are doing your job in the classroom. ...

The recruiting process can feel hectic, chaotic and stressful. But it does not have to be! In reality, there is a method to what can feel like madness, and the process is actually quite predictable. Consider these data points from our thousands of users, which correspond to three of the pillars of the process. ...