My rec sports idea

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be nice to have higher levels of competition in rec - you would not spend that much on club. You cannot grow after 1, max 2 years of rec - that's why we went the club route. It will be tough to make the transition from rec for beginners and club for advanced players to rec for everyone. It would also be nice because I am already sick about travelling for the sake of travelling. Our team should stay home and play in regional tournaments, not travel out of state for the coach to see the world.

In my kids' sport we have rec+. It only works if a really, highly motivated and skilled coach wants to do it and convinces all the other decent players to do it. Otherwise reasonably athletic multi-sport athletes won't do it because they are too busy and everyone else will still go travel/club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be nice to have higher levels of competition in rec - you would not spend that much on club. You cannot grow after 1, max 2 years of rec - that's why we went the club route. It will be tough to make the transition from rec for beginners and club for advanced players to rec for everyone. It would also be nice because I am already sick about travelling for the sake of travelling. Our team should stay home and play in regional tournaments, not travel out of state for the coach to see the world.

Agree with this.
There are enough top players in your region. All of this traveling for hours and hours is not necessary. (Everyone knows this)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be nice to have higher levels of competition in rec - you would not spend that much on club. You cannot grow after 1, max 2 years of rec - that's why we went the club route. It will be tough to make the transition from rec for beginners and club for advanced players to rec for everyone. It would also be nice because I am already sick about travelling for the sake of travelling. Our team should stay home and play in regional tournaments, not travel out of state for the coach to see the world.

+1

Totally agree.

I think the issue, as another poster brought up as well - is that it would take a critical mass of kids/parents to buy in.

And a better coach (compared to beginner level coaching).

Some recreational baseball programs have something like this (usually called ‘select” ball or similar- playing games in their own metro area only) but usually ends by 11-12 it seems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It would be nice to have higher levels of competition in rec - you would not spend that much on club. You cannot grow after 1, max 2 years of rec - that's why we went the club route. It will be tough to make the transition from rec for beginners and club for advanced players to rec for everyone. It would also be nice because I am already sick about travelling for the sake of travelling. Our team should stay home and play in regional tournaments, not travel out of state for the coach to see the world.

Agree with this.
There are enough top players in your region. All of this traveling for hours and hours is not necessary. (Everyone knows this)

Exactly. For example my DS plays on a 13U travel baseball team. In our smaller metro area (about a million people) there are around a dozen 13U travel teams. Maybe more- not even sure. Occasionally there is an in town tournament but 75% of the time, everyone is traveling to “big metro area” 2 hours away for tournaments. And we end up playing local teams pretty frequently. It is just silly.

Granted, there are some supposed “elite” players (definitely not my kid) who are ready for a higher level competition- but really that is such a small percentage of kids. Maybe enough to make one or two “elite” teams. The rest of the kids would be better off just playing each other, here in town.

Why things are setup this way is beyond me….and seems to be common in nearly every sport. I think a lot of parents even realize it as well, but changing it seems nearly impossible.

[Anonymous]

I get the idea, but I would go the opposite direction. A lot of what is wrong with youth sports today is the parents that are most hardcore about competitiveness. If you can give those parents an off-ramp earlier in the process, what will be left is much more reasonable. The problem, for better and worse, is that the current path in USA for sports success in most sports is still mostly and closely tied to a high school and then college pathway. If you can sever that connection a lot of the system restores to balance.

The European Academy model is the answer for me. ForCE professional leagues to fund academies in their cities. Allow the parents and kids who are all in chasing dreams of professional athletic success to self segregate. What will be left for everyone else is much more reasonable. You’ll also get the colleges out of the big time sports business and return it to something purer.

An academy model will also help parents and athletes understand where they really stand in the pecking order much sooner. Finally, academy model would put an end to the gamesmanship around ages/grades that occurs in certain sports.

Basically, scale up the ECNL model from youth soccer in the USA.

Lastly, this also probably results in better talent development since academies are better focused on long term development.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get the idea, but I would go the opposite direction. A lot of what is wrong with youth sports today is the parents that are most hardcore about competitiveness. If you can give those parents an off-ramp earlier in the process, what will be left is much more reasonable. The problem, for better and worse, is that the current path in USA for sports success in most sports is still mostly and closely tied to a high school and then college pathway. If you can sever that connection a lot of the system restores to balance.

The European Academy model is the answer for me. ForCE professional leagues to fund academies in their cities. Allow the parents and kids who are all in chasing dreams of professional athletic success to self segregate. What will be left for everyone else is much more reasonable. You’ll also get the colleges out of the big time sports business and return it to something purer.

An academy model will also help parents and athletes understand where they really stand in the pecking order much sooner. Finally, academy model would put an end to the gamesmanship around ages/grades that occurs in certain sports.

Basically, scale up the ECNL model from youth soccer in the USA.

Lastly, this also probably results in better talent development since academies are better focused on long term development.

+1

This would be so amazing. I’d love to see sports decoupled from public schools entirely, for so many reasons. It would solve so many problems.

[Anonymous]

Where are you getting field, gym space and funding for this? As others have said, there are current rec and travels programs already and then all of the private options. Where we are, rec is low commitment and not competitive, travel (rec +) is a step up and then all of the private/club options are everything else. Your program sounds expensive and doesn’t add anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are you getting field, gym space and funding for this? As others have said, there are current rec and travels programs already and then all of the private options. Where we are, rec is low commitment and not competitive, travel (rec +) is a step up and then all of the private/club options are everything else. Your program sounds expensive and doesn’t add anything.

The rec option would be way less expensive than the current club options. If the parents can afford to pay for club, the rec would give them a financial break. I don't buy the idea that a private, for-profit club would be cheaper than a rec option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are you getting field, gym space and funding for this? As others have said, there are current rec and travels programs already and then all of the private options. Where we are, rec is low commitment and not competitive, travel (rec +) is a step up and then all of the private/club options are everything else. Your program sounds expensive and doesn’t add anything.

The rec option would be way less expensive than the current club options. If the parents can afford to pay for club, the rec would give them a financial break. I don't buy the idea that a private, for-profit club would be cheaper than a rec option.

We currently have rec options and rec plus/select and travel options. These are all in addition to the for profit club. How is this program different?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are you getting field, gym space and funding for this? As others have said, there are current rec and travels programs already and then all of the private options. Where we are, rec is low commitment and not competitive, travel (rec +) is a step up and then all of the private/club options are everything else. Your program sounds expensive and doesn’t add anything.

The rec option would be way less expensive than the current club options. If the parents can afford to pay for club, the rec would give them a financial break. I don't buy the idea that a private, for-profit club would be cheaper than a rec option.

We currently have rec options and rec plus/select and travel options. These are all in addition to the for profit club. How is this program different?

It would get most athletes in local tournaments rather than regional / travel tournaments. Less time and money spent on useless travel by teams that are clearly not ready to travel. My entire volleyball club (at all age levels) should not travel outside the area. There is plenty of local competition to get our behinds kicked by local teams. Why travel to get our behinds kicked by teams from other regions? Unfortunately, rec is not available to fill the gap (rec level is way too low, even for my DD, who is at best less than an average player), so we are stuck in a mediocre club (my DD will likely not make any team in a better club).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are you getting field, gym space and funding for this? As others have said, there are current rec and travels programs already and then all of the private options. Where we are, rec is low commitment and not competitive, travel (rec +) is a step up and then all of the private/club options are everything else. Your program sounds expensive and doesn’t add anything.

The rec option would be way less expensive than the current club options. If the parents can afford to pay for club, the rec would give them a financial break. I don't buy the idea that a private, for-profit club would be cheaper than a rec option.

We currently have rec options and rec plus/select and travel options. These are all in addition to the for profit club. How is this program different?

It would get most athletes in local tournaments rather than regional / travel tournaments. Less time and money spent on useless travel by teams that are clearly not ready to travel. My entire volleyball club (at all age levels) should not travel outside the area. There is plenty of local competition to get our behinds kicked by local teams. Why travel to get our behinds kicked by teams from other regions? Unfortunately, rec is not available to fill the gap (rec level is way too low, even for my DD, who is at best less than an average player), so we are stuck in a mediocre club (my DD will likely not make any team in a better club).

You sound inexperienced. I happen to be another volleyball parent and it’s an overpriced sport in this area for many. Lots are willing to pay anything here for limited spots and that includes travel for low level play. Some like the travel. Next year, post for suggestions. We can help you find a lesser known team that doesn’t travel, if that’s what you are looking for. They are out there. You don’t have to travel for volleyball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The US (under a democrat ideally) should start a nationalistic program for youth sports.

Disclosure, i used ai to write this for speed. But I fed it all the ideas—I also edited portions.

The purpose: promote health, inclusion, discipline, and a sense of national unity through sport. The program would begin in grades K–2 by introducing children to a wide variety of sports—ranging from soccer and basketball to martial arts and swimming—with a focus on motor skill development, teamwork, and fun. These early years would avoid competition and instead create a joyful, curiosity-driven environment where students can explore physical activity in a safe, supportive space through both school-based PE and community sessions.

In grades 3–7, the program would evolve to offer more structured exposure and skills development through a tiered track system. Students could be grouped into Track A (beginner), Track B (intermediate), or Track C (advanced) levels within each sport based on experience and interest. This can also be divided by age and/or size. This phase would emphasize skill-building over competition, with increased focus on discipline, tactical understanding, and teamwork. It would offer regular after-school programs and summer sports camps to encourage growth at every level, while still prioritizing enjoyment and personal progress over early specialization or high-stakes play.

By grades 8–12, students would have the option to join one of three distinct tracks based on their aspirations: an elite/competitive track for those aiming at regional and national competition or college athletics; a developmental track for athletes who want serious training without the pressure of formal competition; and a recreational track to support lifelong fitness, mental health, and social connection. These tracks would offer a mix of school and community-based teams, with national tournaments like a yearly "America Cup" providing moments of patriotic celebration and sportsmanship. The program would foster not only athletes, but also leaders, coaches, and volunteers.

All optional, some kids love reading, no sports, walking or casual play for fitness.

However, this would be in the national interest to improve physical fitness, increase opportunities for all kids, and track kids along appropriate zones (not just a limited number of seats in a competitive track). It also allows all kinds of kids to have time to try out a variety before the specialization race begins.

You stupid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are you getting field, gym space and funding for this? As others have said, there are current rec and travels programs already and then all of the private options. Where we are, rec is low commitment and not competitive, travel (rec +) is a step up and then all of the private/club options are everything else. Your program sounds expensive and doesn’t add anything.

The rec option would be way less expensive than the current club options. If the parents can afford to pay for club, the rec would give them a financial break. I don't buy the idea that a private, for-profit club would be cheaper than a rec option.

We currently have rec options and rec plus/select and travel options. These are all in addition to the for profit club. How is this program different?

It would get most athletes in local tournaments rather than regional / travel tournaments. Less time and money spent on useless travel by teams that are clearly not ready to travel. My entire volleyball club (at all age levels) should not travel outside the area. There is plenty of local competition to get our behinds kicked by local teams. Why travel to get our behinds kicked by teams from other regions? Unfortunately, rec is not available to fill the gap (rec level is way too low, even for my DD, who is at best less than an average player), so we are stuck in a mediocre club (my DD will likely not make any team in a better club).

You sound inexperienced. I happen to be another volleyball parent and it’s an overpriced sport in this area for many. Lots are willing to pay anything here for limited spots and that includes travel for low level play. Some like the travel. Next year, post for suggestions. We can help you find a lesser known team that doesn’t travel, if that’s what you are looking for. They are out there. You don’t have to travel for volleyball.

How about you share what you know now? The season is almost over and I would be interested in the names of the clubs that don't travel. You know - sign her up for some clinics, get the coaches to know her. Don't say MVSA third team though, because my DD won't make it there. I need some realistic options for an average player (or maybe below average).