...and that's the tricky part....unless your son (or daughter) is a top AA player, in my experience, you'll have to work to get the information and guidance you're looking for. Also have to be strong enough to ask, not whine about what's not being handed to you, even tho you're a paying customer. It's not right, but it's just different than almost any other thing you'll buy because you're kid is directly affected and in the hands of people who have many many kids and parents all looking to get the most attention and the most recognition. Emotions can run extremely high. Navigate intelligently looking for maximum development, maximum playing time, maximum fun and interest for the kid, while assessing what level they are eventually looking for (HS, D3, D2, D1) while being VERY honest and realistic and while balancing travel and cost. How badly the kid wants it is extremely critical. Whew. This is easy for few, but you need to be able to establish a line of communication with the coach or director that is comfortable for both. Without that, frustration ensues, but, it can be found at Express or any other club...if all these things match well for you personally.
Good luck!
Well written.....You need to know who is coaching you child. Your child can grow as a player on a C,B,A,AA team.... If, and only if, you get a great dedicated coach. Unfortunately, at the larger clubs, the best coaches are coaching AA teams. Other teams get filled by family members, friends or college kids. Then its just luck of the draw.....buyer beware. Personally we have had great seasons and terrible seasons at the same club. Carefully look at the tryout info produced club's websites. Less info given, more to be concerned about.
The sad thing is that for the money you spend, you would think the club would have some sort of plan for these kids. They have been doing it long enough The total lack of communication from the directors infers the could careless as long as the money rolls in.
At the same time, parents seem to never voice their concerns to the club out of fear. Fear of what, who knows.
