What is the difference between the travel and non-travel programs?
I want to tryout, but my high school team is still in season. What do I do?
You guys have several locations, right? Which programs are travel and which are non-travel?
What are satellite programs? What is the difference between them and Club Fusion teams in Marengo? What does FVA stand for?
Where do your Club Fusion teams travel to?
How many teams will you have at each age level at Club Fusion?
How much does Club Fusion cost?
Who will be my coach? Do you know who will be coaching what team?
How long is the season at Club Fusion?
When are practices? How often do Club Fusion teams practice? Where do they practice?
When are games/matches played? How often do the teams play? Where are the tournaments played?
What is Club Fusion's policy on parent involvement? Are parents asked to volunteer their time for Club Fusion?
Can my daughter play school sports, such as basketball or softball, and still play on a Club Fusion travel team?
What is Club Fusion's philosophy on playing time?
When and where are the tryouts for Club Fusion Volleyball? What about your satellite programs?
I cannot make a tryout date. What should I do?
If I do not make a Junior National Team, what are my options?
I don't know what age group my daughter should tryout for. How is that determined?
Is there a fee for the tryouts? What do we need to bring?
Can I pre-register for the tryouts? What paperwork can I fill out prior to the tryout?
My team is going down state and I want to tryout; what do I do?
What will I be doing at the tryouts?
How does Club Fusion select players? What are you looking for in a potential player?
I just learned about your club, but it looks like I missed the tryouts What are my options?
When will I know if I made a team? Will I know what team I made?
I was selected to a team; what do I do now? When is the Parents' Night Meeting?
Q: What is the difference between the travel and non-travel programs?
A:
Travel teams will participate in 1-3 highly competitive tournaments out of the area or out of state, that will likely include two-day or three-day tournaments. Travel teams generally practice 2-3 times/week and the season lasts 7 months.
Non-travel teams play all of their events within a 2-2 1/2 hour radius of their location. All tournaments will be only one day events, with exception of the Diggin in the Dells event in April.
The season generally runs December thru March/Mid April. (will change based on spring break and Easter) While still competitive, non-travel teams generally require less time commitment than a travel program.
Q: I want to tryout, but my high school team is still in season. What do I do?
A:
All players are required to attend the first tryout for their age group. Players will be notified at the end of the first tryout, if they should return for the second tryout. For those still competing in the IHSA State tournament, no testing or evaluations will be completed, but we do require that all the paperwork & payment be submitted in person at the tryout, so that we can evaluate those that are trying out accordingly. This will allow us to accurately determine the number of teams and players we will keep in a particular age group after the first tryout. We appreciate all players' cooperation with this.
In accordance with the Greats Lakes Region rules, there will be absolutely NO physical testing performed at the tryout if you are still participating on your high school team.
From the Great Lakes Region website: "GIRLS 15's, 16's, 17's and 18 and under Divisions PLEASE NOTE: ATHLETES who are STILL competing or practicing with their HIGH SCHOOL TEAM are NOT ALLOWED to partake in any athletic demonstrations, drills or athletic fitness testing at a tryout. You may attend and sign up for the tryout to let the Club know you are interested - and then arrange for a future tryout date AFTER you have completed your High School Season. Any Club who asks an athlete who is still in any phase of their High School season to physically tryout should be reported to the Region Commissioner immediately (Sandy Abbinanti, 708-254-7200 or sabbinanti@comcast.net)"
Q: You guys have several locations, right? Which programs are travel and which are non-travel?
A:
Club Fusion has several programs designed to fit the needs of every player interested in playing club volleyball. Our convenient locations also mean that you won't have to travel too far for practice.
Club Fusion (Marengo, IL) Website
Area Served: McHenry, Boone, Kane, Lake, Cook, DeKalb
Travel/Non-Travel: Travel Only
Avalanche (Plainfield, IL) Website
Area Served: DuPage
Travel/Non-Travel: Both
Wisconsin Power (Madison, WI) Website
Area Served: Madison and surrounding area
Travel/Non-Travel: Both
Power Satellites (Wisconsin) Website
Area Served: Throughout Wisconsin
Travel/Non-Travel: Varies
FVA-Freeport (Freeport, IL) Website
Area Served: Freeport and Southwest Rockford area
Travel/Non-Travel: Both
Apex (Marengo, IL) Website
Area Served: McHenry, Boone, Kane, Lake, Cook, DeKalb
Travel/Non-Travel: Non-Travel
Legacy Volleyball (Crystal Lake, IL) Website
Area Served: McHenry County
Travel/Non-Travel: Non-Travel
Quest (Machesney Park, IL) Website
Area Served: Rockford Area
Travel/Non-Travel: Non-Travel
Q: What are satellite programs? What is the difference between them and Club Fusion teams in Marengo? What does FVA stand for?
A:
When Club Fusion opened our doors over 7 years ago we had a vision to offer club programs throughout the Midwest. Today, that vision is becoming a reality and has taken on a life of its own. Each year we are contacted by collegiate coaches, current club directors and high school coaches wishing to start a club program in their area. Club Fusion provides the infrastructure and administrative backbone to their programs so they are allowed to do what they do best ... train volleyball players. These small, community based programs allow players the option to train under excellent coaches while still encouraging those players to participate in many other extra-curricular activities.
FVA stands for Fusion Volleyball Academy. The FVA was created to offer programs that are described above. Each FVA or Satellite program is administered by the knowledgeable staff at Club Fusion and has a unique Program Director. The Program Director hires an experienced coaching staff dedicated to that program.
Q: Where do your Club Fusion teams travel to?
A:
As details are announced you will learn more. What we can tell you is that right now the travel schedule may include the following tournaments:
- MLK Scrimmage - Minnesota (Select Teams)
- Presidents Day - Wisconsin Dells (Select Teams) Las Vegas (18Black)
- PrepVolleyball.com Classic - Wisconsin Dells (All Teams)
- Other possible events - Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, Louisiana, Tennessee
- JVDA Championship - Louisville Kentucky (All Teams)
Please note that this schedule is subject to change and should not be considered complete or accurate until you receive information at our parent night.
Q: How many teams will you have at each age level at Club Fusion?
A:
18s | 3-4
17s | 3
16s | 4
15s | 4
14s | 4
13s | 2-3
12s | 2-3
We are hoping to significantly grow our program at the younger ages. Look for more information about our Youth Program soon!
Q: How much does Club Fusion cost?
A:
Cost information is disclosed at the parent information meeting held at every tryout. You may also contact the Club Fusion office at 815-923-4466. We are confident that our dues are competitive with other programs in the area.
Dues are paid on a payment schedule of 3 payments. Other fees might include: uniform package, a Molten volleyball*, and travel expenses.
A unique fundraising opportunity is available to all families to offset dues. And, no, we do not require fundraising, nor does our fundraising opportunity require selling anything door to door.
*These fees do not apply if you are a returning player unless you need replacements or the package has changed. The only exception is our team shoe.
Q: Who will be my coach? Do you know who will be coaching what team?
A:
We will rarely disclose coaching information prior to our parent's night meeting. The reason is simple. We wait to finalize our coaching staff until the tryouts have completed and we have time to analyze our potential teams.
We pride ourselves on being able to select the "right" coach for each team based on that team's make-up and personality. We feel that we have been successful in taking this approach and will continue this philosophy as we move forward.
Also, we want to discourage players from coming to Club Fusion Volleyball solely for the purpose of playing for an individual coach. We want our players to believe in our system and our entire coaching staff, as players will work with several coaches throughout the season and will have many different coaches throughout their career.
Q: How long is the season at Club Fusion?
A:
The Club Fusion travel team season runs from the beginning of December through the end of June. Most or all teams will end their season at the JVDA Championship in Louisville Kentucky in 2009.
Q: When are practices? How often do Club Fusion teams practice? Where do they practice?
A:
Teams will practice during the week at the Fusion Sports Center west of Huntley High School, just north of the I-90 / RT20 (Hampshire/Marengo Exit). Depending on which team you/your daughter is on will determine what days/times practice will be. The practice times are 4:30 to 7:00pm or 7:00 to 9:45pm. If your team has a third practice, it will be Saturday or Sunday at the Fusion Center or at an alternate location with times varying. Schedules will be released each month on our website.
Our 12s-14s practice 2 times per week. Our 15s-18s practice two times per week when they play on the weekend and three times per week when they do not.
Q: When are games/matches played? How often do the teams play? Where are the tournaments played?
A:
Club Fusion participates in USAV sanctioned (USA Volleyball) tournaments and events. Tournaments are held on Saturdays and/or Sundays around the Chicagoland area. Most teams will play in tournaments here at the Fusion Center at least once during the season. Most tournaments are in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin. Some teams will also travel to tournaments throughout the Midwest that offer a great deal of exposure and competition. Each coach will give the teams their specific schedule when the team begins practice and those schedules will also be available online.
Q: What is Club Fusion's policy on parent involvement? Are parents asked to volunteer their time for Club Fusion?
A:
Club Fusion prides itself on our relationship with our parents. Club Fusion has an open door policy with our parents and encourages our parents to communicate with our staff. The open door policy does not exist during tournaments and practices, we feel a neutral time is the best for staff/parent discussions. We encourage parents to support their daughter and the athletes on her team. The only time Club Fusion asks for parents to volunteer their time is as a concession helper, team chaperones on overnight trips and as the team mom (Team moms will be responsible for team communication and concession duties). For more information on these duties, please refer to the player manual or call 815-923-4466.
Q: Can my daughter play school sports, such as basketball or softball, and still play on a Club Fusion travel team?
A:
Yes, any athlete can participate in school athletics or other activities while playing for Club Fusion. The athlete will not be penalized for missing practice; however, playing time is usually determined by practice performance. Club Fusion celebrates our multi-sport athletes and is extremely proud to have them in our program.
It should be noted that as Club Fusion has grown, the number of multi-sport athletes has dropped. That number is not attributed to a change in our policy, but simply the athletes we have drawn.
Q: What is Club Fusion's philosophy on playing time?
A:
At Club Fusion we believe playing time is earned, not given. Club Fusion's dues guarantee the athlete quality coaching, practice time, registration and training. Playing time is determined by the coach based on several criteria - practice, attitude, game performance & skill. Every player has the opportunity to prove themselves at practice. Club Fusion is a competitive volleyball environment and the teams are administered that way.
*Playing time and related issues are encouraged to be resolved between player and coach. After such meetings, if the issue still remains, a formal meeting with the player, coach and director will be held.*
Q: When and where are the tryouts for Club Fusion Volleyball? What about your satellite programs?
A:
Please see our Home Page and select the link for the program which you are interested in trying out for. Club Fusion tryouts are at the Fusion Sports Center and Club Fusion Satellite programs have their tryout information and locations listed on their sites under "Tryout Information".
Q: I cannot make a tryout date. What should I do?
A:
If you know you can not make a tryout or missed a tryout please contact the Director of the program for a possible alternate tryout. Please note - After the final tryout there is a possibility that there are limited or no opportunities to make a team in that program!
Please see the "Contact Us" page on each programs site to contact these directors or call 815-923-4466.
Q: If I do not make a Junior National Team, what are my options?
A:
If your daughter does not make a Junior National Travel team, she has the option of joining any of the FVA programs. Your daughter will be given that option at selection time and she will be informed on how to join the FVA program of her choice. (FVA programs include APEX, Legacy, Freeport FVA, Quest, Huskie Jrs.)
Q: I don't know what age group my daughter should tryout for. How is that determined?
A:
The following chart will help you determine which age group to tryout for.
18 and Under
Players who were born on or after September 1, 1990 *
17 and Under
Players who were born on or after September 1, 1991
16 and Under
Players who were born on or after September 1, 1992
15 and Under
Players who were born on or after September 1, 1993
14 and Under
Players who were born on or after September 1, 1994
13 and Under
Players who were born on or after September 1, 1995
12 and Under
Players who were born on or after September 1, 1996
Q: Is there a fee for the tryouts? What do we need to bring?
A:
Each athlete must pay a $40 fee to tryout and submit a Tryout Waiver Form signed by a parent/guardian. Each athlete is encouraged to bring non-marking rubber soled shoes, athletic clothing (spandex recommended), water bottle and a towel.
Q: Can I pre-register for the tryouts? What paperwork can I fill out prior to the tryout?
A:
Yes, pre-registration is available on the Club Fusion Home Page. In fact, pre-registration is required. The USAV Liability Wavier and Release form can be filled out during pre-registration. Even with pre-registration, some forms may be required at check-in for your tryout. All forms needed are available at check-in if you are unable to reigster online.
Q: My team is going down state and I want to tryout; what do I do?
A:
Club Fusion applauds and celebrates athletes that make it down state. We ask that you contact the Fusion Staff and inform us of your desire to tryout for Club Fusion. You will then be asked to fill out an information sheet and attend all tryouts for your age group. You will not be asked to do any physical workouts until your team has been eliminated from the state playoffs. Although the IHSA allows athletes to tryout during their season, Fusion will not require or allow it.
Q: What will I be doing at the tryouts?
A:
Club Fusion tryouts are broken up into three phases. First, we do a series of physical tests to determine the athletic quotient of each athlete. Scores from these tests are placed into a program that; thru a series of equations, gives us the athletes' data. Club Fusion uses this data for tryouts and to track the progress of the athlete while at Fusion. Second, we run the athletes thru a series of drills for skills evaluation by the coaching staff. These drills are similar to the drills an athlete would see in practice. Third, the athletes are placed in game simulation drills to evaluate their team leadership, court awareness and overall game play.
Q: How does Club Fusion select players? What are you looking for in a potential player?
A:
Club Fusion is very proud of our players and their actions/accomplishments. In building on a tradition we look for three characteristics and/or qualities in a potential volleyball player.
1. Is the athlete coach-able/accountable?
2. How is the athletes attitude?
3. Does the player have athleticism?
Q: I just learned about your club, but it looks like I missed the tryouts What are my options?
A:
Most programs have more than one tryout and you need to see if you can attend any of the tryouts. The first tryout date is of most importance. If you have missed the final and/or all of the tryouts, please contact the Fusion Volleyball staff at 815-923-4466 to find out your options.
*Please Note - After the final tryout, your options may be very limited!
Q: When will I know if I made a team? Will I know what team I made?
A:
At the very end of the last tryout for your age group, a list will be posted and the players who make the Club Fusion Junior National program will get parent packets and information and be sized for their uniform orders. Players that do not make the Junior National program will be given options at the final tryout. All players from a specific age group will practice together for approximately the first two weeks and then be split into separate teams.
Q: I was selected to a team; what do I do now? When is the Parents' Night Meeting?
A:
Each player that makes the Junior National program will be given a parent packet for their parents which has three forms that need to be filled out and brought back to Parent's Night. The player needs to then attend the meeting with at least ONE parent. Parent Night for the Junior National will be announced in the packet that you receive.
*Please check with the satellite directors for that program's parent night.
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