BROOKLYN, NY :: The age old question in club team sports is always, "why is traveling to play better for my game?" That is exactly the question we address here.

Firstly, there are many people, particularly in non-traditional areas, that still resisting the club team sports system for girls lacrosse. "We see this in emerging markets," explains BOUNCE CEO Crista Samaras, the woman in charge of pioneering an effort to build the talent in areas not yet concentrated with a ton of lacrosse resources. "Parents know about ODP soccer and AAU basketball - to name a few sports known for the club systems helping to connect players to higher levels of skill, competition and maybe even college recruiting. For lacrosse, however, there are trends across the country where parents do not want to pay additional money, even if they are getting a high value return."

Club teams are the representation of an industry on the rise. Lacrosse is decidedly the fastest growing sport in the US, burning through the fields of athletic hotbeds. Entrepreneurs, opportunists and passionate laxer take advantage of the growth by offering clinics, camps and most recently, club teams.

"Club teams are a great source of community," says Samaras. "In the most effective sense, club teams unite talent from a broader spectrum than the localized high school, offering an opportunity for players to represent something bigger than their high school or even their town. In the most human sense, club teams can offer a community and build pride among a large group."

So, what does a club team offer? Or, better, what should a club team offer? Here is a TOP 5 LIST of things to look for:
1. A place to learn the game.
2. A place to play more.
3. A place to receive feedback on your game.
4. A place to play with/against more talented players.
5. A place to have fun.

TOURNEYS :: WHY THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOU
If you are on a club team that also offers opportunities to play in tournaments, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT! "A tournament is THE place to see the greatest leap in your game," says Samaras. "When you are playing back to back games with the same team over the course of one to two days, it's a concentrated, hyper-focusing of skill, game understanding and most importantly, repetition."

But, they cost money?
And, traveling is expensive - gas, tolls, hotels.

All of this is true. So, the question becomes: What are you doing it for?

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP?
Certainly good motivation, but the likelihood of getting money to play lacrosse in college is still small, as there is not much in the sport. People will say the opposite because lacrosse is a new and "less competitive" sport for girls, but actually, that doesn't contribute to there being more money. There is a better chance that girls with great grades will be awarded academic money than there is a chance they will get a lacrosse scholarship. As a girl playing in a non-traditional area, it becomes even more difficult as colleges are identifying top talent during the sophomore year.

IMPROVING YOUR GAME?
This is the best reason to invest in a club team and more importantly, for improving your game. Tournaments are like little shots of caffeine to your game. With each one, you take big strides in a little bit of time and permanently bump your game up a notch. Of course, it's up to the player to maintain the new level and even push during tournament time to break new ground.

TO HAVE FUN?
Yes! Tournaments are about playing, laughing, bonding! It's a retreat and the closeness builds camaraderie among the girls playing. They can be a great way to spend family time, too.

"We know that girls that play sports have a better chance in school, a lower risk of drug addiction and a higher propensity for leadership," says Samaras. "Club teams - and tournaments - help to raise the stakes. For everything in life from sports to business, it's about getting the experience. The best are distinguished by their experience and the time they have spent. It's just a small example of how to get more experience and spend more time."

>BIG TIP :: Research the club team extensively before you join. Find out the fees. Talk to the organizers. Build relationships. They, make your decision because it's the right place + program for you. Be guided by the experience you seek.