FAQ
Answers to many of your inquiries...
What is the cost to play in the upcoming season?
* Your investment includes a $50 non-refundable registration fee for tryouts in addition to the season option chosen.
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* Training Only option includes 10 training sessions with no tournaments for $175. Players choosing this option must still attend tryouts so that they are placed with the appropriate team. Training session dates and times will be scheduled once teams have been formed.
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* Regional teams practice 2 times per week and play in (4) one-day tournaments. Cost: $550 for middle school players (ages 14 & under) and $600 for high school players (Ages 15-18).
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* National teams practice 2-3 times per week and play in (4) two-day tournaments. Cost is $950 for middle school players and $1000 for high school players.
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**A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to be placed on a team. The remaining balance must be paid prior to the first tournament.
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**Jerseys will need to be purchased by each athlete if they don't already have one. Additional SMAK clothing and gear will also be available on our online team store.
How do I obtain an AAU Membership?
Players must obtain an AAU membership BEFORE attending tryouts. Go to https://play.aausports.org > "Get a Membership" tab > "Youth Athlete Membership" tab, and fill out the form. Use club code W3BTA7 for SMAK Volleyball Academy. Please bring a copy of your AAU membership to tryouts.
How can I make payments?
Payments can be made 3 ways:
1. Venmo using the QR code shown
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2. Paypal to:
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3. Cash or check may be used as well
Does the athlete need to attend tryouts if they will just be attending training sessions?
Yes, the athlete must attend tryouts in order to be placed on the appropriate team per their skill level.
When and where will practices will be?
Practices will be scheduled once teams have been formed. Each coach tries their best to schedule practices around their players' schedules. In the past, the two weekly practices have been held on an evening during the week or on Sunday. Practices will be held in Sparta and in the surrounding areas. Most teams will begin practicing the last week in March.
What dates are tournaments held on?
Tournament dates for Spring 2025 are:
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Regional Dates:
12U, 13U, 14U - 4/19, 5/3, 5/17, and 5/31-6/1
15U, 16U, 17/18U - 4/13, 5/4, 5/18, and 5/31-6/1
National Dates:
16U - 4/26-27, 5/17-18, 5/31-6/1, 6/7-8, Nat'ls 6/25-28
18U - 4/13, 4/26-27, 5/4, 5/18, 5/31-6/1, Nat'ls 6/17-20
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How do I know what age level my athlete belongs in?
You can find the 2025 AAU age divisions at this link: AAU - Volleyball (aauvolleyball.org)
My athlete plays a school sport; will they be able to play AAU Volleyball too?
There are many athletes who play school sports and successfully play AAU Volleyball. Practices are usually held during the week in the evening to accommodate after school practice times. Sunday practice times are also an option. Coaches try to schedule practices around game dates as well, if possible.
How many players are on the team roster?
Teams are usually comprised of 8-10 players.
What kind of training do the coaches have?
Our coaches have many years of experience coaching and playing as well as staying up to date with rules and teaching technics.