The Hidden Costs of Joining a 7v7 Football Travel Team

Introduction:

You've seen the potential, watched the highlights, and your young athlete's eyes light up at the thought of competing with the best. The allure of joining a 7v7 football travel team is undeniable, but before you take the plunge, it's essential to be aware of the hidden costs that can lurk beneath the surface. From travel and equipment to coaching staff and tournament fees, the expenses can add up quickly. So, let's dive into what parents need to know.

Coaching "Where Excellence Takes the Lead":

In the world of 7v7 football, success is more than just the players on the field; it's about the experienced hands guiding them. At Connecticut Superiors, we understand that athletes are only as good as the coaches that drive them. This understanding forms the core of our training philosophy. Quality coaching doesn't come without its costs. The fees for these dedicated mentors range based on their experience, starting at $1,000 and going up to $3,000 per coach. This investment is integral to our commitment to excellence.

Travel and Accommodation:

One of the most obvious costs of joining a 7v7 football travel team is, well, travel. Tournaments often take place in different cities and states, and parents can find themselves on the road quite a bit during the season. This means not only covering gas expenses but also hotel accommodations. While it's an investment in your athlete's future, it's essential to budget for these expenditures.

Indoor Practice Field Rental:

For teams in the Northeast, the challenge of winter weather is real. Outdoor practices are less effective, which leads to indoor field rentals. These facilities come at a cost, which can come with hefty rental fees exceeding $300 per hour for a 30yrd x 60yrd field. while it's necessary to keep athletes in shape, it's another item to factor into your budget.

Tournament Fees and Training Costs:

The expenses of 7v7 football travel teams extend to tournament fees and fitness training. Tournament fees can vary, typically ranging from $700 to $1,000 per team on average. These costs encompass various aspects of participation, from registration to facility rentals and referees.

Additionally, when it comes to fitness training, the financial commitment can be significant. Accessing specialized fitness training facilities can amount to $50 per session for each athlete, especially when opting for group rates. When considering a full team, the cumulative training costs can soar, potentially exceeding $900 per session. These costs are integral to keeping athletes in peak condition, ensuring they're well-prepared for the competitive 7v7 season.

Equipment:

Quality equipment is crucial for any athlete. For 7v7 football, this can include footballs, QB Tees, training equipment, and uniforms. These costs can vary significantly but will run into the thousands of dollars, and it's important to ensure your athlete has the tools they need.

Coaching Staff and Back Office Responsibilities:

Coaches are the backbone of any team, and hiring experienced staff can be a significant expense. Additionally, managing the back office responsibilities of an organization, such as legal requirements, website maintenance, and administration, also incur costs.

Price Structure:

Most 7v7 companies have various price structures. Some opt for a small initial fee, while others charge the full cost upfront. While the initial fee might seem attractive to parents, it can lead to unpleasant surprises throughout the season as large chunk unexpected costs emerge. Unexpected extra costs can leave parents feeling financially strained and anxious, potentially jeopardizing their child's participation in 7v7 football. Depending on the extent of travel, an athlete's 7v7 season can cost anywhere from $3,000 - $10,000. These cost can be offset by donations and corporate sponsorships.

For a well-run and funded organization like the Connecticut Superiors, they take the latter approach by charging the full cost upfront. This ensures a smooth season by providing complete transparency. This model allows parents to budget effectively, reducing the likelihood of financial surprises along the way. Additionally, they offer the convenience of using Affirm for payments, providing added security and flexibility to manage the upfront costs. Affirm allows parents to make installment payments up to 24 months interest free. Click on link to learn more about Affirm .

Conclusion:

Joining a 7v7 football travel team is an exciting opportunity for young athletes, but it's vital for parents to be aware of the hidden costs involved. Whether it's travel, accommodation, equipment, or coaching staff, budgeting for these expenses is key. Furthermore, choosing an organization like the Connecticut Superiors, which embraces transparency by charging the full cost upfront, can make the journey less financially stressful, leaving parents and athletes to focus on the game and their growth as athletes. The benefits of participating in 7 on 7 football, such as increased skill development, the opportunity to compete against top talent, and college exposure often outweigh the costs.