@RJM posted:My kids played for subsidized teams. Those teams had contacts. The coach’s referrals helped place them. My daughter played softball. I wasn’t looking for ROI. I figured it would be gravy.
My son played for a 17u team for two years. He got a 10X+ ROI. He barely played one year due to injury.
My daughter played for an 18u Gold team for four years. She received a 10X ROI. She played for the team for three years after committing before post soph summer.
Most teams subsidized the top teams by having 3 or 4 teams per age group. So the lower teams pay for the top team.
Note, there are 2 sides of the business.
Travel Team is 501c3 (non profit)
Travel programs make $$$ with lessons.
Note, how does the travel coach make his or her $$$.
Now if the program has sponsors, it will potentially lower perceived cost.
Ask for the financials, it will tell you everything if you can get access. lol