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

USPSA 40K Members 1A
USPSA 40K Members 1A

USPSA Membership Surges Past 40,000, Shattering All-Time Record

USPSA & Steel Challenge top 40,000 members for the first time, marking a major milestone and reflecting booming grassroots participation and competitive growth.

New: Laser Ammo Flash Bolt For AR Dry-Fire Training

Laser Ammo’s new Flash Bolt turns your AR into a dry-fire practice powerhouse.

Bunker Club Fuels 22 Junior Athletes With 2025 Grants

Bunker Club awards 22 junior shooting athletes $6,363 each to support their competitive journey in 2025.

4 Illinois Rifle Teams Set Sights On 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals

Four Illinois rifle teams set their sights on the 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals, ready to compete in Mid-Range and Long-Range events.

USPSA: Celebrating Growth, Fueling The Future

USPSA celebrates surpassing 40,000 members, with growing participation signaling a dynamic new chapter for the practical competition shooting community.

Competitors’ Corner: July 2025

Highlights from the July 2025 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

Interests



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