Eagan, MN — The USA Clay Target League is tremendously excited to announce the launch of the USA Youth Club Clay Target League, a new clay target program developed to allow students in grades 6-12 to participate on youth group and local club teams that exist outside of the traditional educational system.
The USA Clay Target League is the nation's largest youth clay target shooting sports organization and offers trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to athletes and teams across the country. Since it's beginnings in 2001, the League has seen nearly 150,000 students participate on more than 2,100 school-approved teams nationwide.
"The mission of the USA Clay Target League includes the belief that all students should have an equal opportunity to participate," said John Nelson, President of the USA Clay Target League. "Many prospective teams faced challenges getting started through their schools. The new Youth Club League provides the opportunity for these teams and athletes to participate without requiring the formal school-approval process
The expansion of the League allows local groups, along with youth organizations such as 4-H, FFA, or scouting troops to participate in a nationwide clay target shooting sports program without any additional requirements beyond having five athletes, an available shooting range, and a certified coach. Additionally, non-school-affiliated youth clay target shooting sports teams are now able to join the League, providing new avenues for safe and fun participation using the League's industry-leading ClayTargetGO! registration and scoring platform.
The USA Homeschool Clay Target League, launched in 2021, will be replaced and teams will move into the USA Youth Club Clay Target League.
"The idea to expand the League has been percolating for many years," said Josh Kroells, Vice President of the USA Clay Target League. "Today's launch of the USA Youth Club Clay Target League will provide thousands more students the chance to socialize, build relationships, and develop a sense of community and teamwork through clay target shooting sports."
"Expanding the reach of the League expands the opportunities for students, parents, organizations, and industry supporters," said Drew Tri, Head of Marketing for the League. "The outdoors industry needs the next generation, and it's with the generous dedication of sponsors that the League can continue to be the absolute leader in engaging more than 10,000 new athletes each year."
About the USA Clay Target League: The nonprofit USA Clay Target League provides clay target shooting sports opportunities to more than 57,000 students on nearly 2,200 high school, college, and youth club 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's priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship — in that order.
The League is one of the safest sports in America, with not one reported injury since the inception of the League in 2001. Each athlete must complete firearm safety certification before participation.
Visit https://youthclub.usaclaytarget.com for more information.
