The USA Clay Target League has launched a new program to help high schools and colleges nationwide establish student clay target teams. Known as the “Free Team Initiative,” the program waives registration fees and supplies safety equipment for up to five athletes on newly approved school teams.
The offer is available for a limited time and ends on March 24, 2026.
To start a team, schools simply need an adult head coach and approval to use the school’s name.
By covering start-up costs and providing essential safety gear, the initiative lowers barriers for schools and enables students to safely participate in trap, skeet, sporting clays and five-stand leagues.
According to USA Clay Target League President John Nelson, the move is part of the organization’s broader mission to make clay target shooting accessible.
“The League’s mission from day one has been to provide safe, school-sponsored clay target shooting sports participation opportunities to students, their families and the education community as a whole,” Nelson said. “Making the start-up process as easy and affordable as possible while making sure everyone is safely equipped and educated is a key step towards fulfilling that mission.”
With a track record of zero injuries in nearly 20 years and hundreds of millions of rounds fired, the USA Clay Target League emphasizes safety and inclusivity. All athletes are required to complete firearm safety certification before participating. The co-ed sport is also adaptive, enabling students with physical disabilities to compete alongside their peers.
Marketing Manager Drew Tri highlighted the opportunity this initiative offers for smaller teams to join the USA Clay Target League and benefit from its school-approved framework and wide-reaching support.
“No other program is 100% school-approved, and no other program provides athletes, schools and families as many low-cost opportunities to participate,” Tri said. “There are no benchwarmers in the League. That’s why the League is the largest and most successful youth clay target shooting sports program in America.”
Interested schools can learn more about the Free Team Initiative at usaclaytarget.com/start-a-team.
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