If you'd rather email me off the boards with your response - please do.
It seems that the trend in the older age groups/higher level teams is paid coaching. We are looking at different teams for fall and are definitely not interested in any team without superb coaching.
That being said - what is your experience with paid coaches and how much is your coach making per month? Is it worth it? Does it solve problems with parents trying to bully the coach into playing their kid more? Or is it just another fly in the ointment?
My son is moving to 14U and is a mid level AAA player.
Do your due diligence, just like anywhere else. There are bad and good paid coach programs and teams. Heard a story from a current teammate about a coach who took fees for paid coaches. Coach got into financial problems and kept the money for himself and never brought in any paid coaches. Parent said it was a nightmare. On the other hand, there are some teams and organizations where it is worth every penny you spend.
I don't know if you need to make that move at 14. The most important ages to make the move are for 16 and 17. This is the prime time for recruiting. You want to make sure the coaches are going to work for you to get your player in front of college coaches and scouts. Make sure they are willing to contact them and speak on your behalf or provide them with information about your player and the team's schedule over the summer. The coaching is also important. Our coaches want to make sure the players are fundamentally sound so that when they are in front of the recruiters, they show well and have a chance to make a roster at the next level. The coaching isn't just so the team can win, but so that the chances of the player moving to the next level is increased. Winning is a result of that attitude.
Anyway, like I said, do your homework to make sure whatever team you wind up on is the right one. Just because you are paying coaches does not automatically mean it is the best situation for your child.
This will vary and the range will be fairly large, it could be as little as $5k or on the higher end of the mid teens for the season. I've even seen it higher, depends on who your getting.
Paid coaching fees??
Posted - 06/29/2011 : 16:51:04
