New to Club Volleyball in Kansas City? Start Here.

Club volleyball is competitive volleyball played outside of school, organized by independent clubs rather than school districts. In Kansas City, the club season typically runs from November through May, which is the opposite of the school volleyball season (fall for high school, varies for middle school).

Players join a club, try out for a team within that club, and then practice 2-3 times per week and compete in tournaments on weekends. It's a significant commitment of time and money, but it's also where the majority of serious player development happens.

If your daughter plays school volleyball and loves it, club volleyball is the natural next step to keep playing year-round and improve faster.

Season timing: School volleyball is in the fall. Club volleyball runs November through May. Most competitive players do both.

Cost: School volleyball is low-cost (usually just shoes and a participation fee). Club volleyball requires a financial investment that varies by club and level, anywhere from $400 to $5,000+ per season.

Competition: School teams play other schools in your district or league. Club teams compete in tournaments against other clubs, often from across the region or country.

Coaching: Club coaches are typically more specialized and experienced than school coaches, particularly at the higher levels. Many are former college players or have decades of coaching experience.

Age groups vs. grade levels: School teams are organized by grade. Club teams are organized by age division (12U, 13U, 14U, etc.), based on the player's age as of a specific date set by the governing body.

Most players start club volleyball between ages 10 and 12. In Kansas City, clubs offer teams starting at 10U (10 and under) and some even have 8U or 9U programs.

If your daughter is 10-12 and interested, this is a great time to start. She'll be surrounded by other players learning the fundamentals, and there are plenty of development-focused programs in KC that don't require prior club experience.

If she's 13-15 and hasn't played club before, it's not too late. Many KC clubs have Select-level teams specifically designed for players who are newer to competitive volleyball. She won't be the only one starting late.

If she's 16+, it gets harder to break into club volleyball without some competitive experience, but it's still possible at some clubs. Talk directly to club directors about options.

Start by thinking about what matters most to your family:

Location: Where is the club located, and how far are you willing to drive for practice 2-3 times a week? In KC, clubs are spread across Johnson County, the Northland, East Jackson County, and KCK.

Competitive level: Is your daughter looking to compete at the highest level, or is she looking for a fun, competitive experience without the pressure and travel of a Premier team? Both are valid. Just make sure the club you choose aligns with your goals.

Cost: Clubs range widely in price. Know your budget before you start looking, and ask for the all-in number, not just the posted fee.

Culture: Every club has a personality. Some are intense and results-driven. Others prioritize development and positive experiences. Attend open gyms at a few clubs to see which one feels right for your daughter.

→ Browse 40+ KC volleyball clubs to find clubs in your area.

Here's what a first-time club volleyball family's year looks like in KC:

May–July: Attend open gyms at 2-3 clubs to find the right fit. These are casual, low-pressure, and cost about $10 per session.

July–August: Attend formal tryouts at your top-choice clubs. Receive and accept an offer. Pay commitment deposit. Attend mandatory parent meeting.

August–September: School volleyball starts. Some clubs still looking to fill spots.

October–November: Preseason training begins. Uniform fitting. Team bonding.

November–May: Full season. Practices 2-3 times per week, tournaments on weekends (usually 1-3 per month).

May–June: Season ends. Offseason begins. Time to decide if you're doing it again next year.

HOA: Heart of America, the regional volleyball governing body for the KC area. Most KC clubs are HOA-sanctioned.

USAV: USA Volleyball, the national governing body. Players need a USAV membership to compete in sanctioned events.

Premier: The highest competitive level. Premier teams typically include the most experienced players and travel more. You may also hear premier teams referred to as 'elite' or 'national'.

Select: A competitive but less intense level. Less travel, lower cost, more focus on development.

Open gym: An informal practice session hosted by a club, open to any player. Not a tryout, but a chance to meet coaches and get reps. Usually a fee to attend (avg. $10).

Down ref: When your team provides one of the referees for another team's match at a tournament. Usually a player responsibility.

Libero: A defensive specialist who wears a different color jersey and plays only in the back row.