Boy's Club Volleyball and College Volleyball Recruiting

My son is going to be a Junior this coming year and is finishing up his 16's year as an outside hitter on our local club. This is his second year with this club and it's nice that it is close and run by a great group.  His team, unfortunately, is not very good.  They rarely make it beyond the bronze pool. He is by far the best player on the team.  I'm constantly being told how good he is by other parents and coaches from other teams.  He wants to play beyond high school but knows he won't get looked at by many schools being on this club.  The club has had some players go on to play D3 but not many.  

There is another club that will involve driving at least an hour for practices 2-3 times a week that he wants to play for next season.  That team has been together for at least 3 years and consistently challenges for tournament championships.  I'm worried that if he does try out and make that club he won't get the playing time needed over others that have been with the team even though he performs better than them.  He could be perceived as the "outsider".

So my question is do we stay with the local club team where he can shine but consistently get knocked out early of tournaments or do we go long distance and risk the playing time?  What questions would I ask of the new club to ensure that he will get the playing time that he needs?  

Thanks,

J.C.

When considering club teams and how they impact a player's opportunity to move into college volleyball, families must focus on the training.  The reality is that talent creates opportunities.  If a volleyball player is good, and manages the recruiting process, then they will have the opportunities they seek.

Too many families think that by joining club super duper, that a Top 10 program will come knocking at their inbox because they are now with club super duper.  

As you consider your club situation, try to determine which club will develop your son's volleyball abilities and take playing time out of the equation.  Your question seems to be is it better to sit or play?  Your question should be, which club does the better job of developing player skill sets in practice and reinforcing those developed skill sets in competition.

Don't worry so much about playing time because with the use of technology, you can market and promote your son to collegiate programs.  College coaches understand when a good player is surrounded by not so good players, or they are new on a team with the long standing players staying on the court.  We are just looking for talent and if need be, we can handicap the other parameters to properly evaluate a player's talent.

Coach