I'll chip in this one, since DD joined a Firecracker team this fall in NC. I am an AC, so have some small insight into local organization, though still quite new. No team in any age group pays more than $900 for the fall season which includes tournament entries, uniforms, access to a field and an indoor practice facility, and of course the famous franchise fee ($25/month for 4 fall months). Our particular team, 14u, required $600 per player, which includes 2 unis, a helmet, bat (or catchers) bag, facilities, tournament fees and the franchise fee. I expect all fees to be a bit higher in the longer spring/summer seasons, but do not see evidence on the local level of any gouging. There is also a process available for those who struggle to cover fees. Generally, I sense a genuine interest in the well-being of the players on and off the field.
We didn't join for the name; it seemed the best fit for DD. We passed up some other opportunities in 14u and 16u that also seemed good, but this one felt more right. As she improves there are teams for her to grow into, and overall coaching seems solid enough throughout the organization as far as I can tell so far. All of us involved in coaching want to put out very high quality teams. I believe the organization is solid enough in this state to stick around a while and gain momentum.
Firecracker teams here should be competitive, at least in our own state and surrounds right now. Beyond our own region, I'm not really sure. There are some very good teams in NC, but I'm not convinced our state has the depth of quality that's found in more traditional softball strongholds.
Personally, I don't care so much about the franchise hoopla. I want DD to keep loving and growing in the sport, with opportunities to advance to the levels her passion and skill take her. For her, this seems like a good choice for now.
We didn't join for the name; it seemed the best fit for DD. We passed up some other opportunities in 14u and 16u that also seemed good, but this one felt more right. As she improves there are teams for her to grow into, and overall coaching seems solid enough throughout the organization as far as I can tell so far. All of us involved in coaching want to put out very high quality teams. I believe the organization is solid enough in this state to stick around a while and gain momentum.
Firecracker teams here should be competitive, at least in our own state and surrounds right now. Beyond our own region, I'm not really sure. There are some very good teams in NC, but I'm not convinced our state has the depth of quality that's found in more traditional softball strongholds.
Personally, I don't care so much about the franchise hoopla. I want DD to keep loving and growing in the sport, with opportunities to advance to the levels her passion and skill take her. For her, this seems like a good choice for now.