Club directors have a tremendous opportunity to create a culture of learning among their coaching staff. Investing in coach education strengthens your club culture, improves the quality of your coaching, and ultimately increases the value you provide to athletes and families.

When coaches feel that a club is invested in their growth and development, they are more engaged, more confident in their role, and more likely to remain committed to the organization. Providing meaningful educational opportunities is not only an investment in your coaches—it is an investment in the long-term success of your club.

Prioritize Live Learning Opportunities

Attending coaching clinics should be near the top of every club’s professional development plan. While online resources are valuable, live clinics provide something unique: the opportunity to learn directly from experienced clinicians while also connecting with other coaches who are facing similar challenges.

The conversations that happen between sessions can be just as valuable as the presentations themselves. Sharing ideas, discussing philosophies, and learning from coaches outside of your own program can inspire new approaches and encourage continued growth.

Many clubs have found creative ways to make coaching education accessible and meaningful for their staff. Whether you have a large budget or limited resources, there are options that can fit your club’s needs.

Host an Internal Coaching Clinic

One of the most cost-effective ways to promote learning is to have your own coaches teach each other.

Every coach brings unique strengths and experiences to your program. Some may excel at skill development, others at team culture, communication, scouting, or practice planning. Creating opportunities for coaches to share what has worked—and what has not—benefits the entire staff.

An in-house coaching clinic can be simple to organize. Consider selecting four or five coaches to present on topics they are passionate about and create a 90-minute session focused on sharing ideas and best practices.

This approach not only develops your coaches but also reinforces that every member of your staff has valuable knowledge to contribute.

Bring in a College Coach or Volleyball Expert

Inviting a college coach or experienced volleyball professional to lead a clinic can provide your staff with a fresh perspective while strengthening your relationships within the volleyball community.

Many college coaches enjoy the opportunity to share their knowledge and connect with local coaches. Consider opening the clinic to area high school coaches as well, creating a valuable networking opportunity and increasing your club’s visibility within the community.

A successful format is to combine outside presenters with members of your own coaching staff. This allows your coaches to learn from experts while also highlighting the knowledge and experience already within your organization.

Summer is often an ideal time to host these clinics, before the high school season begins and as coaches prepare for the upcoming club year.

Host an Outside Clinic at Your Facility

Bringing a national coaching organization or clinician to your own facility can make professional development more convenient and accessible for your staff.

Hosting a clinic at your gym eliminates travel barriers, reduces costs for coaches, and creates a shared learning experience for your entire organization. Many clubs also open these clinics to coaches outside of their program to increase attendance, build community relationships, and introduce others to their club.

Consider requiring newer coaches to attend while encouraging experienced coaches to participate every few years to continue expanding their knowledge. Timing the clinic before or early in the club season allows coaches to implement new ideas immediately.

Support Attendance at Major Coaching Events

For clubs looking to make a larger investment, consider supporting coaches who attend events such as the AVCA Convention, USAV CAP courses, or high-performance coaching clinics.

One challenge clubs often face is investing significantly in a coach’s education only to have that coach leave the program shortly afterward. To protect your investment, consider selecting coaches who have demonstrated commitment and leadership within your organization.

When choosing coaches for these opportunities, consider:

  • How long has the coach been with your club?
  • Do you anticipate the coach remaining with your program in future seasons?
  • Has the coach demonstrated a willingness to share knowledge with other staff members?
  • Has the coach taken initiative in their own professional development?

Some clubs create agreements that encourage long-term commitment. For example, a club may reimburse a portion of the education costs upfront and provide the remaining reimbursement after the coach returns for another season.

Another way to maximize your investment is to ask coaches who attend major events to share their key takeaways with the rest of the staff. This allows the entire organization to benefit from one coach’s experience.

Make Education Accessible for Clubs of All Sizes

Coach education is valuable regardless of the size of your organization. While larger clubs may have more resources, smaller clubs can create meaningful opportunities through creativity and intentional planning.

Options may include:

  • Providing partial stipends for coaches to attend clinics.
  • Offering bonuses or increased compensation for coaches who achieve certifications or complete education programs.
  • Encouraging coaches to use professional development funds available through their schools or employers.
  • Creating shared learning opportunities with other local clubs.

The goal is not simply to send coaches to events—it is to create an environment where learning is part of your club culture.

Coaching education gives your staff the opportunity to see the sport through a different lens, exchange ideas with motivated coaches, and reflect critically on how they teach and lead.

The best clubs are built by coaches who continue to grow. When club directors prioritize education and professional development, they create a culture where coaches feel valued, athletes benefit, and the entire organization moves forward together.

View resources for volleyball Club Directors.

Revised 7.7.2026