Hmm...do I want a former college player who happens to be a successful business man and Dad coaching my kid...
Or a club lacrosse guy who needs my money to pay the mortgage? Keep hating on Freedom. I'll keep counting my money that doesn't go to the business model clubs.
You are 100% missing the point on this. You are paying nearly the same amount to play Freedom as you would Fusion, BL, NXT etc...why is that and where is all that cash going????
I don't know what Fusion costs but I do know what Freedom, NXT and BL cost and believe me, they aren't "nearly the same amount". Freedom is over $1K cheaper than NXT. BL is a unique model because they are more a-la-carte in their costs but they line up more with Freedom than NXT. They also have some dad coaches at BL.
Mesa and HHH $1500 more for fewer events too.
I'm probably unique in that I care way more about the training and practice aspect of the team than the events. T-shirt titles don't really count for much in my book. That being said, my son isn't in high school so there is no college recruiting expectation right now. If I have to pay a little extra to ensure quality instruction and a focus on solid fundamentals, I'm willing to shell it out. However, I'm also not shelling out big bucks so my kid can go practice at JHU or Duke a few times a year (Can we call that what it is, a gimmick to lure in wide-eyed parents?)
It is interesting that you list what YOU care about. Quality instruction and solid fundamentals? That sounds really boring. when I was a kid and start playing lacrosse it was fun and different. I agree that today the over structure of the club system is not made for kids but games are still what kids enjoy. Save the "training and development" for later in HS and beyond. Kids just want to play games. Sure have some practices but I think training is very overused by clubs. They do not develop players, players develop themselves. when pushed to play tougher competition they rise to the level or they don't. However no kid wants to train and develop. They like games, the pool at a tournament, and gear.
I pay the bill, so I think I have that right to list what I'm looking for. Kids are still kids and aren't known to be the best decision makers. I agree with you that it CAN be really boring...if you don't have a good coaching staff. That job of the coaching staff is to make training and development fun for the kids while improving their skills each practice. Gamifying practice. I'm not interested in practice plans that were developed 25 years ago when we played, because you are right, it's boring and the kids quickly lose interest.
As for fundamentals being boring, i'm guessing you never played football. If you don't stress fundamentals there, necks get damaged and legs stop working. So yea, again as adults we have to try to stress why fundamentals are important. Left to his own devices, I'm sure my kid would eat ice cream and cookies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chicken is boring. Should I sign him up for the Ben and Jerry's Meal plan?
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