1. What are the different levels of volleyball?

Outside of a school setting, there are three levels of volleyball available—Recreational (Rec), AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), and USAV (USA Volleyball).

Recreational:
Rec volleyball programs focus on learning and improving the fundamental skills of volleyball. Rec programs are generally for beginning to intermediate players. These programs offer age-appropriate skill development, opportunities to play volleyball games and even opportunities to compete in a league format. Younger players will learn skills with the aid of “volleylite” volleyballs, lower nets, and other modifications designed to help younger players learn and play with proper fundamentals. These training programs are available throughout the year and include camps, clinics, leagues, and lessons.

Our rec programs are located at www.steelskillzvolleyball.com.

AAU:
AAU volleyball is a club-level volleyball program that is designed for players who have acquired basic volleyball skills and would like to improve those skills and compete in a more competitive setting.

AAU level teams require an increased time commitment as well as a financial commitment. Club Steel AAU volleyball teams include 1-2 practices per week and 5 one-day tournaments, and have a season that is approximately 3 1/2 months long. 

AAU programs require an AAU membership to tryout and compete.  You can get your membership at www.aauvolleyball.org.

AAU Mini-Club:
Mini Club is a short two month “mini” season. The season runs from mid-August through mid-October. Teams consist of 8-10 players. This is a two day/week commitment. The teams will participate in 3 one-day tournaments. This is a great way to gain some competitive team experience as well as prepare for our regular season tryouts. AAU Mini Club leagues require an AAU membership (www.aauvolleyball.org) to try out and compete. We encourage everyone who is in Middle School or Elementary School to try out for this program. It is a great way to learn and compete.

USAV:
USAV teams  are generally designed for players whose skill levels are at or approaching an intermediate level or higher and wish to compete at a more competitive level of volleyball. Club Steel USAV teams will practice 2-3 days per week, include 7 two-day (or 3-day) tournaments, and have a season that is approximately 5 months long. USAV club teams require a USAV membership to tryout and compete. You can get your membership at www.floridavolleyball.org.

2. In which program should I enroll my daughter?

There are many factors that need to be considered in choosing which program is the best fit for your daughter:  age, skill level, and ability to commit to the time and financial obligations of a more competitive team.

If your daughter is just beginning to explore the game of volleyball, then rec programs are a perfect place to start. Camps, clinics, and rec leagues are a great place for your daughter to begin to learn the basics of volleyball and continue to build those skills and incorporate those into a team setting. If your daughter has learned the basics but would like to improve her skills before moving onto a more competitive league, then our rec programs are great avenue to do this. 

If your daughter has been playing volleyball for a little while and seems to have mastered most of basic volleyball skills, then you may want to consider moving up to a club level program in order to continue to build her skills in a more advanced, competitive environment.

Some families find AAU a good fit when moving from a rec league to a club level program. The time and financial commitment is lower than USAV yet it allows you and your daughter to make a transition to club level programs. If you are uncertain about moving into club, you could also try Mini Club as an introduction to club.

Our USAV program is a more competitive program. If you are looking for the best program to provide the greatest opportunity to improve, this is the program for you because it is a longer season, and has more practice time and multi-day tournaments.

3. What is your approach to coaching?

Our goal is to provide a competitive, team-oriented experience that focuses on character and skill development. Our desire is for your daughter to develop confidence, improve self-esteem, learn sportsmanship, improve her mental strength, gain time management skills, and develop the ability to communicate effectively with others. Club Steel looks for athletes that have a desire to learn, have great attitudes, are team players, are coachable, and have the necessary skills to be a part of a competitive team.

4. Is there special equipment that my daughter is required to have in order to play?

Athletic shoes are required for your daughter’s safety; however, they are not required to be volleyball shoes. Comfortable athletic-type (shorts/t-shirts) clothing to allow for easy movement is highly recommended. Most volleyball players prefer to wear volleyball kneepads; however, they are not required to play. Volleyballs will be provided during practices.

5. How many teams are there? How are the teams chosen? Who will be on my daughter’s team?

The number of teams per age group varies depending on the number of girls who try out. During tryouts, coaches will observe each age group and arrange teams based on skill levels. Your daughter’s team will be made up of girls of similar ages and skill level. Each team will consist of approximately 10-12 girls.

6. Where are the practices held?

We are proud to announce that Club Steel has a dedicated facility where all of our teams practice. Our facility is located at: 21422 Carson Dr, 34639 Land O’ Lakes https://wego.here.com/directions/mix?map=28.19341,-82.46195,15,normal&fb_locale=en_GB

7. Do you offer clinics or private lessons in addition to club opportunities?

We offer a variety of camps and clinics, as well as private lessons. You can request a private, semi-private or group lesson on this website under the Lessons tab or click on http://clubsteelvolleyball.com/private-lessons and fill out the request form. We also have camps and clinics available at http://www.steelskillzvolleyball.com

8. Do you have open gym times?

We generally do not offer open gym times because of the number of activities that we have at Club Steel. We have offered high school volleyball open gym times prior to high school volleyball tryouts.

9. Are there fundraising requirements or opportunities?

We are hoping to offer optional fundraising opportunities in the future to help offset club team fees.

10. Are there any requirements for the parents?

We do not have requirements, however, we do have expectations.

1. All athletes are expected to be in the gym and ready to warm up at the scheduled arrival time. Please be on time. Games do not always start at the designated time. There is usually about 10 minutes between the end of one match and the beginning of another.

2. All athletes are required to wear Club Steel gear while at tournaments. They are to be matching with the team.

3. Please be respectful at all times to everyone at the tournaments. You are representing Club Steel Volleyball.

4. Athletes and/or parents are expected to provide transportation for their athlete to and from tournament sites. If an athlete cannot be at a tournament, the athlete is expected to call the coach as soon as the athlete knows she will be absent. Please arrange alternate transportation for your child if you are unable to attend the tournament. If you are unable to provide transportation for your child, please notify the coach at the practice before the tournament so alternate arrangements can be made.

5. Athletes are not permitted to leave the facility during the tournament day. Game times can drastically change and all team members must be prepared to play at a moments notice.

6. Parents are not to approach a coach to discuss playing time or any other grievances during a tournament.