The Season is underway for 40,100 student athletes participating in USA Clay Target League (USACTL) programs this spring. Those athletes are competing on 2,094 high school and college teams across the nation, supported by over 12,000 coaches, team staff, and other volunteers.
"Schools want the opportunity to give their students a place to develop their confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional sports," said John Nelson, President of the USACTL. "Clay target shooting sports are accessible to everyone, everyone can participate. The ability for students to participate on their school's team influences athlete's lives for the better."
Over 100 new teams were started nationwide as schools took advantage of the League's offer to start a team for free. Details on that program can be found at https://usaclaytarget.com/start-a-team
The high school athletes' nine-week spring season is already underway, and will conclude May 24th. Most participants are then expected to participate in the State Tournament in June, with the top athletes in the nation eligible to compete at the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship in July.
About the USA Clay Target League
The non-profit USA Clay Target League provides clay target shooting sports opportunities to over 56,000 students on over 2,000 school-approved teams across America each year. Including trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand programs, the League is the leading provider of clay target shooting sports to secondary and post-secondary schools across the country.
The League is the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting sport program in America. Every team must have school approval to participate. Most participating schools have lettering programs as well as yearbook inclusion for the teams. In addition, tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships are provided to qualifying seniors by the League and post-secondary institutions each year.
The League's co-ed and adaptive nature are key attractions to schools nationwide: it's fully Title IX compliant with both male and female athletes competing on the same team, and it's an 'adaptive' sport, which allows students with physical disabilities to take part.
Learn how to start a team at your school!
The League's priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship – in that order. The League is the safest sport in school, with not one reported injury since the inception of the League in 2001. Each athlete must complete firearm safety certification before participation.
Visit https://usaclaytarget.com for more information.