Starting a volleyball club is exciting—and maybe even a little overwhelming. Between finding a gym, hiring coaches, running tryouts, and setting schedules, it’s easy to get swept up in the day-to-day. But if you want your club to grow, run smoothly, and attract the right players and families, you need more than just passion and hustle—you need a business plan.

Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be some 30-page document with charts and graphs. Think of your business plan as a playbook that keeps your club focused on its mission, its goals, and its growth.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been running a few teams casually and want to level up, having a plan can help you:

  • Stay focused on your goals
  • Attract the right people—coaches, partners, or even facility investors
  • Make smarter decisions about money, marketing, and programming

The Truth: Most Club Directors Start Without a Plan

A lot of club directors (maybe you too?) jump in because they love the game, want to help young athletes, or saw a need in their area. That’s awesome—but it’s easy to hit roadblocks if you don’t map out where you’re going.

It’s never too late to hit pause, zoom out, and create a plan that fits your vision and your community. Start simple. You can build and refine it as you grow.

What a Volleyball Club Business Plan Should Help You Do:

  • Set goals and a rough timeline to hit them
  • Identify what resources you’ll need (gyms, coaches, gear, etc.)
  • Spot any gaps in your plan before they become big issues
  • Clarify your “why” and “how”—why your club exists and how you’ll make it work

Getting Started: A Simple Business Plan Outline for New Club Directors

You don’t need an MBA to create this—just carve out some time and start putting thoughts on paper.

1. Club Summary
  • What is your club all about?
  • What do you want to accomplish in your first season? In 3 years?
2. Mission
  • Why are you doing this?
  • What values will drive your club (development, competition, inclusivity, etc.)?
3. Goals
  • Number of teams?
  • Types of programs (camps, clinics, travel, developmental)?
  • Player outcomes (college recruiting? Skill development? Community building?)
4. Services Offered
  • Will you run teams, camps, clinics, or private lessons?
  • What age groups or levels will you serve?
  • What will the time and financial commitments look like for families?
5. Who You’re Serving
  • Who is your ideal athlete?
  • What type of families are you hoping to attract?
  • Are you focusing on beginners, competitive athletes, or a mix?
6. Understanding Your Market
  • Who are the biggest clubs in your area?
  • What are they doing well—and where are the gaps?
  • How can your club stand out and serve unmet needs?
7. Marketing & Outreach
  • How will people hear about your club?
  • What makes your club different (your coaches, culture, training, etc.)?
  • Will you use social media, school flyers, word of mouth, etc.?
8. Operations
  • Where will you train (gyms, schools, community centers)?
  • What is your plan for hiring and training coaches?
  • Will you need help with administration, scheduling, or communications?
9. Budget & Finances
  • What will it cost to launch and run your club?
  • What are your expected income streams (tuition, camps, sponsorships)?
  • What are your overhead costs (facility rentals, uniforms, coach pay)?
  • Start with a simple budget—even a spreadsheet will do.

Final Tip: Don’t Let “Perfect” Get in the Way of “Done”

You don’t need a polished, investor-ready business plan to make progress. Just start. Outline your ideas, write down your goals, and revisit your plan regularly as your club grows and evolves.

Your passion for volleyball is the heart of your club—but a solid plan is what will make it sustainable and successful.

View additional resources to run a volleyball club.