15 Must-Do Steps Before Club Volleyball Begins
If club volleyball had a relationship status, it would be: “It’s complicated.”
New practice schedules. New parents. New expectations. New coaches. For some of you, a whole new club or club experience. And about 37 new ways to spend a weekend inside a gym.
Whether this is your very first club season or you’ve been through the wringer before, the first few weeks set the tone. A little prep now can save you a lot of stress, second-guessing, and late-night Target runs later.
Here’s your Club Volleyball Season Starter Kit—15 things you can do before the first whistle to feel more organized, calm, and ready.
1. Club Volleyball-Get Clear on Time and Money
Club season is a commitment for both your calendar and your wallet.
- Review all major fees: club dues, uniforms, travel costs.
- Ask what’s included and what isn’t (tournament fees, coaches’ travel, extra training). Dad also needs to be ‘in the know.’
- Mark your family’s non-negotiables—vacations, exams, special events—so volleyball fits around them. Make sure everyone is on board BEFORE the season starts.
You don’t need a perfect spreadsheet, but a realistic view of your time and finances makes a huge difference.
2. Sync the Calendar (For Real)
Once you get the practice schedule and early tournament dates:
- Add everything to your digital calendar. Think about getting a REAL planner.
- Block travel days if events are out of town.
- Share with partners, grandparents, or anyone who helps with rides.
Pro tip: Add buffer time before and after tournaments for packing, laundry, and recovery. Club weekends are their own weather system.
3. Talk Expectations With Your Player
Before emotions run high, have a calm, simple conversation:
- What are their goals this season? Help them aim for attainable goals.
- How will you both handle tough games, team changes, or challenging moments?
- What does commitment look like for them? Communicate what your expectations are.
Remind them this is their journey, and you’re there to support—not to coach from the car ride home. Tell them that they can open up and talk to you without judgement.
4. Learn How the Coach and Club Communicate
A little clarity goes a long way:
- What app or platform does the team use? Get on it. Learn it.
- How do coaches prefer to communicate—email, team parent, or group message?
- What’s their philosophy on playing time and development? Usually, coaches make these things apparent in the beginning of the season. If not, you should ask. Afterall, you’re paying them.
Being respectful and informed builds a smoother season for everyone.
5. Find Your Sideline Circle
Your sideline circle shapes your entire club experience.
Early in the season:
- Say hello at practice or the first tournament.
- Introduce yourself in the team chat.
- Volunteer for something simple—coffee run, snack signup, or one carpool ride.
You don’t have to be the team parent, but they can ALWAYS use one or two supportive parents to help make everything easier.
6. Do a Quick Club Volleyball Gear Check
Avoid last-minute scrambling by checking:
- Shoes: Do they still fit? Do they still grip the court?
- Knee pads and socks – plan on needed extras to get through the season.
- Practice gear and layers for cold gyms
- Tournament hoodie or comfy crewneck for long days
If you’re not sure what shoes to choose this season, check out my Volleyball Shoe Guides in this blog from 2024/2025 for solid recommendations.
7. Build a Tournament Go-Bag That Lives in Your Car
A pre-packed bag saves your sanity.
Include:
- Small first-aid kit (tape, blister pads, pain reliever appropriate for your family)
- Extra socks and hair ties
- Chargers and a power bank
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Light blanket or hoodie
- Hand wipes and a small trash bag
- Leave the stadium seats in there for the season- that way you don’t have to remember to pack them!
Just top it off between events instead of repacking every time.
8. Plan Your Snacks and “Tourney Food” Strategy
Tournament food is pricey and unpredictable.
Think through:
- What your athlete will actually eat between matches. Ask them what they want and what will work for them
- Hydration strategy
- Simple, packable meals and snacks for yourself
- When you’ll bring food vs. buy on-site
You’re not aiming for perfection—just fuel and sanity. (Going broke over Acai Bowls is a real thing!)
9. Set Tech and Social Media Boundaries
Club season brings:
- Apps
- Group chats
- Constant photos and video sharing
Decide early:
- Who manages team communication apps
- How your family handles posting photos of other players (get permission if the setting is not in the game)
- What to do if chats get negative or confusing
This saves a lot of stress later.
10. Clarify Rides and Carpooling On Club Volleyball Practice Days
Before the season gets underway:
- Map out who can consistently drive which days
- Look for natural carpool partners
- Plan how to handle last-minute changes
You don’t need to carry everything yourself.
11. Decide How You’ll Show Up in the Stands
Before the first big tournament, decide:
- What you’ll cheer (“You’ve got this!” “Great hustle!”)
- What you won’t yell (instructions, criticism, anything toward refs or other players)
- How you will calm yourself if/when something upsets you.
Your athlete will remember how you supported them long after they forget the scores.
12. Protect Some Non-Volleyball Life
Club can easily take over everything. Especially for players on the college recruiting trail.
Try to protect:
- At least one non-volleyball day
- Downtime for schoolwork and hobbies
- Family time that doesn’t involve a gym
You’re allowed to love the sport and still need balance.
13. Take Care of You, Too
This is a marathon for you as much as it is for your athlete.
- Sleep
- Hydration
- Comfortable clothes (check out our site!)
- Real food
- Breaks between matches when possible
A calm, steady parent is the anchor of the entire weekend.
14. Have a Plan for When Things Get Messy
At some point, something may feel off:
- Tough losses, tough season
- Playing time questions
- Team dynamics, conflicts with coaches
- Miscommunication, how to connect with volleyball moms the right way
15. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
After a decade of sitting in the stands, (and still doing it in college) schleping around camp chairs, snacks and suitcases- I’ve poured out quite a bit of valuable advice in this BLOG. Search for these subjects and more here in the blog for a vet mom’s advice.
Is this your first club volleyball rodeo? Then don’t skip this blog post about crushing your first tournament weekend!
Good Luck this season. Take it all in! Mine was 11 when she started– still going at 20. Never thought I’d be a college player’s mom! This may be the first of many pre-season organization routines in your lifetime!
