Quote Originally Posted by sapdad View Post
There are plenty of clubs charging less than $2k but it brings up a good point.If money is a factor then look around.Its been said time and again there are clubs in Div 2 and 3 that have really good coaches/cultures and facilities and dont charge that kind of money.A lot of parents would rather pay the extra and sacrifice a lot of the other stuff if their child has a chance of winning a trophy.And thats ok to look at it that way,but I think theres really good value if you shop around.Who knows,if good kids reject clubs based on price then it may make the consider what they are charging.As for Jets/Mariners etc.Im not involved in that level so cant speak if its value or not.Like everyone id love to see a system where the best kids make it that far without money being a factor.Sadly we seem to quite a fair way off that happening.
People often talk about the lack of player talent, but I think the lack of coaching talent is the bigger issue...the change of finding a too coach in div 2 or 3 would be exceptionally rare.

Then, the quality of opposition they face as well is a limiting factor as well.

I think too, defining what is a good coach isn't easy and is varied based on age group too...i.e. a good trainer, a good tactician, ability to inspire A+ performances from people (or bully it).

But, this is why I am constantly advocating for pro/rel by age group...because, if (say) Toronto, or NIAS has a great coach and inspired kids in an age group, they should be playing against the toughest opposition available and not dragged down to a club average...and that club should then be able to build many more successes out of that improving their brand positioning, etc.

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P.S. thanks Aegon for the costings...I really hope your boy is recovering well, I heard he got hurt quite badly so wishing a speedy recovery