We are having first thoughts of getting away from the town rec/travel scene and having 10u & 12u start looking at playing at a little more competitive level. They've gone to a few tryouts, and get offers from teams usually the evening after the tryout, or first day after a team has a batch of tryouts (helps they are both pitchers).
We've discussed in depth as a family. They are aware of what their commitment will be. Also letting them know either way is correct and there is no wrong decision with staying with town, or going with a more competitive travel team.
Being new to this two concerns I have are costs and burnout (not only them, but me...). When I see what these teams are charging for a year I kind of get floored. I know it's a business and all, but is $3000-$4000 a year (fall tournaments, winter training, spring/summer tournaments) an average normal amount? Trying to justify that it's 16-18 tournaments, 2 practices a week, and 2 winter workouts indoors a week for 8 weeks, so maybe it's not that far off? And then that is 16-18 weekends, of possible 8 AM games, getting them there by 7, up by 5:30...
Please, any learnings you can share into your entry into higher level travel ball would be appreciated. In my area there are just town teams, or a very few within driving distance travel ball teams that I would consider (there are some of the National chains, but feel they are way beyond what we are looking at for now).
We've discussed in depth as a family. They are aware of what their commitment will be. Also letting them know either way is correct and there is no wrong decision with staying with town, or going with a more competitive travel team.
Being new to this two concerns I have are costs and burnout (not only them, but me...). When I see what these teams are charging for a year I kind of get floored. I know it's a business and all, but is $3000-$4000 a year (fall tournaments, winter training, spring/summer tournaments) an average normal amount? Trying to justify that it's 16-18 tournaments, 2 practices a week, and 2 winter workouts indoors a week for 8 weeks, so maybe it's not that far off? And then that is 16-18 weekends, of possible 8 AM games, getting them there by 7, up by 5:30...
Please, any learnings you can share into your entry into higher level travel ball would be appreciated. In my area there are just town teams, or a very few within driving distance travel ball teams that I would consider (there are some of the National chains, but feel they are way beyond what we are looking at for now).