USA Clay Target League Provides Participation Opportunities to Over 40,000 Students Across America This Spring
Posted on: Apr 13, 2026
For Immediate Release
April 14th, 2026
USA Clay Target League Provides Participation Opportunities to Over 40,000 Students Across America This Spring
USA – The Season is underway for 40,100 student
athletes participating in USA Clay Target League (USACTL) programs this
spring. Those athletes are competing on 2,094 high school and college
teams across the nation, supported by over 12,000 coaches, team staff,
and other volunteers.
“Schools want the opportunity to give their students a place to
develop their confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork without the high
costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional sports,” said
John Nelson, President of the USACTL. “Clay target shooting sports are
accessible to everyone, everyone can participate. The ability for
students to participate on their school’s team influences athlete’s
lives for the better.”
Over 100 new teams were started nationwide as schools took advantage
of the League’s offer to start a team for free. Details on that program
can be found at https://usaclaytarget.com/start-a-team
The high school athletes' nine-week spring season is already
underway, and will conclude May 24th. Most participants are then
expected to participate in the State Tournament in June, with the top
athletes in the nation eligible to compete at the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship in July.
About the USA Clay Target League
The non-profit USA Clay Target League provides clay target shooting
sports opportunities to over 56,000 students on over 2,000
school-approved teams across America each year. Including trap, skeet,
sporting clays, and 5-stand programs, the League is the leading provider
of clay target shooting sports to secondary and post-secondary schools
across the country.
The League is the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting
sport program in America. Every team must have school approval to
participate. Most participating schools have lettering programs as well
as yearbook inclusion for the teams. In addition, tens of thousands of
dollars in scholarships are provided to qualifying seniors by the League
and post-secondary institutions each year.
The League’s co-ed and adaptive nature are key attractions to schools
nationwide: it’s fully Title IX compliant with both male and female
athletes competing on the same team, and it’s an ‘adaptive’ sport, which
allows students with physical disabilities to take part.
Learn how to start a team at your school!
The League’s priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship – in that order.
The
League is the safest sport in school, with not one reported injury
since the inception of the League in 2001. Each athlete must complete
firearm safety certification before participation.
Visit https://usaclaytarget.com for more information.
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Media Contact: Drew Tri | Email: dtri@usaclaytarget.com