The Benefit of Budgeting for Coach Expenses

According to the 2024 JVA Club Program and Financial Survey, the majority of clubs pay their head coaches less than $10,000 per season. When you consider the countless hours coaches dedicate to practices, tournaments, travel, planning, meetings, player communication, and professional development over a club season that often spans from November through July, it’s clear that most junior volleyball coaches are not earning a full-time living from coaching alone.

That’s why coach appreciation should be more than an occasional gesture—it should be an intentional part of your annual budget.

Factor Coach Appreciation into Your Budget

Rather than covering appreciation expenses as they arise—or worse, paying for them out of your own pocket—create a dedicated line item in your operating budget specifically for coach appreciation. Allocating $250 to $400 per coach for the season allows you to consistently recognize your staff without creating unexpected financial strain.

The goal isn’t extravagant spending. It’s demonstrating that you value the time, energy, and commitment your coaches invest in your athletes and your club.

Throughout the season, look for meaningful opportunities to show your appreciation, such as:

Buying coffee for your coaching staff during the long days of tryouts.
Covering dinner after a full day of tournament competition, giving your staff time to reflect, collaborate, and build stronger relationships.
Providing club swag or branded apparel to recognize exceptional performance, years of service, or coaching milestones.
Celebrating birthdays, coaching anniversaries, certifications, or other professional achievements.
Offering small gift cards or handwritten thank-you notes after especially demanding weekends or successful events.

While none of these gestures are likely to replace the value of competitive coaching compensation, they communicate something equally important—that your coaches are seen, appreciated, and valued.

At the end of the day, coaches are the face of your club. They shape the athlete experience, influence family satisfaction, and ultimately play one of the biggest roles in your club’s reputation and long-term success. Investing in their experience is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Invest in Coach Education

One of the most meaningful ways to demonstrate your commitment to your coaches is by investing in their professional development. Providing opportunities to learn, grow, and advance their coaching knowledge not only benefits the individual coach—it strengthens your entire club.

As you build your annual budget, consider setting aside $2,000 to $3,000 to support continuing education for key members of your coaching staff. Sending coaches to events such as the AVCA Convention exposes them to several days of classroom presentations, on-court demonstrations, and networking opportunities with coaches from every level of the game. The convention also features JVA-led educational sessions, including the Club Management Track and both indoor and beach coaching education.

Memberships can also provide year-round learning opportunities. Encourage your coaches to take advantage of the educational resources available through your club’s JVA Organizational Membership and other coaching organizations. JVA Club Directors also receive an Art of Coaching Volleyball Premium Membership, which includes an extensive library of coaching education, practice plans, and drills. Providing your coaches access to these resources is a relatively low-cost investment that can have a lasting impact on coach confidence, retention, and athlete development.

Professional development doesn’t have to require travel. Consider bringing education directly to your club by hosting coaching clinics at your own facility. Invite successful college coaches, experienced club directors, or respected former coaches to share their expertise. You can also bring in specialists such as mental performance coaches, sports psychologists, leadership consultants, yoga or mobility instructors, or parent engagement professionals to help your staff develop skills that extend beyond teaching volleyball.

When coaches feel that your club is invested in their growth, they are more likely to remain engaged, improve their craft, and continue contributing to your organization year after year.

Creating a culture of continuous learning starts with leadership. By making coach education accessible and budgeting for professional development, you’re not simply investing in individual coaches—you’re investing in the long-term success of your athletes, your club, and the experience you provide every family who walks through your doors.