USA Clay Target League: 14,708 Athletes Registered, Breaks Fall Participation Record

More than 14,000 athletes are registered for the USA Clay Target League’s fall season, which is a new record.

by
posted on September 20, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Usa Clay Target 3
The USA Clay Target League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays and five-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country. Every USA Clay Target League team must have school approval to participate.
USA Clay Target League

The competitive shooting season is underway for 14,708 student-athletes participating in USA Clay Target League programs this fall—a new record.

Student-athletes are competing on 873 high school, college and homeschool teams that are located nationwide. That is an increase of nearly 1,500 student-athletes and more than 100 teams compared to last year’s fall participation.

“Athletes and parents want safe, school-based, non-traditional outdoor activities in which to participate. The League’s school-approved programs provide a sense of team, belonging and camaraderie—without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional high school sports,” John Nelson, the president of the USA Clay Target League, said.

Every year, 95 percent of non-graduating students return to participate in USA Clay Target League programs. More than 12,000 new athletes joined this year through their school's teams. In USA Clay Target League competition, there are no benchwarmers—everyone participates thanks to the efforts of the shooting ranges, coaches and parents that help make teams flourish. Additionally, there have been no reported injuries since the inception of the League in 2001. Each athlete must complete firearm safety certification before participation.

Learn more about the USA Clay Target League at usaclaytarget.com.

Latest

Winch 250USA Ammo 1
Winch 250USA Ammo 1

Winchester’s USA 250th Anniversary Ammo Puts History in a Box

At SHOT Show 2026, Winchester displayed its USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative ammo boxes with archive art and theme-matched loads in a limited run of 15,000.

WATCH: Fabarm Infinite RS Sporting

Fabarm’s Infinite RS modernizes the side‑by‑side with a quick‑release rib, competition fit and remarkable durability—see why in our on‑range video.

Best Of SHOT Show 2026: Top Suppressors

SHOT Show 2026 delivered a breakout year for suppressors, with 11 standout models showcasing advances in materials, modularity, durability and low back pressure performance.

New: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC

Springfield Armory’s Echelon 4.0FC pairs a compact 4-inch slide with a full-size grip, aiming for modularity and real-world handling rather than extremes.

New: MTM Case-Gard Pistol Range Kit

MTM Case-Gard’s Pistol Range Kit packages common range essentials into one portable case, targeting shooters who want fewer loose items and faster setup.

Review: Staccato HD P4.5

The Staccato HD P4.5 modernizes the 2011 with Glock magazines, excellent optics integration and soft-shooting performance.



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.