are travel sports worth it

Should your kids play on a travel team? A guide for sports parents

We are settling into a new year at work and school. For sports parents, it’s also a fresh time to think about goals to help our kids have the best possible experience with a team.

Whether your child is in grade school or high school, he or she is likely playing on a travel team, or you are at least considering it. What does a “travel” team mean?

My older son’s first travel baseball coach (who now coaches my younger son) once described our 9-year-old team as embarking on a figurative trip.  While we weren’t going to play in any overnight tournaments yet, the “travel” clarifier was meant to describe the journey we were undertaking.

It’s a journey, all right. Your child is likely to spend hours per week with their teammates, and you will see of lot of their parents. And yes, you will likely go to a games and tournaments a fair distance from your local area and sometimes stay overnight.

Travel sports, in some cases known as “club” sports, can be fulfilling and lead to a kid’s overall enjoyment and development. They can be springboard to high school and college athletics.

Sometimes, though, they can be a toxic experience where a coach plays favorites, certain players get disproportionately more playing time than others and team parents in the bleachers yell at the referees or umpires .

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There may not be an ideal situation for your kid’s travel team but, whether your child is casual or super serious about a sport, you can usually find a good fit.

If you are thinking about trying out travel sports, or if your child has been doing them for a while and is looking for a new team, here are some important factors to consider from youth through high school.

The youth ages: You may not need a travel team

Don’t fall into the trap. Travel ball for pre-middle school kids is not a make-or-break step for a kid achieving success at a sport in high school and beyond.

Travel teams at these ages are often more about affirmation of kids’ “unique” abilities for their parents. Travel sports, and really sports at any level, should be about the kids, not the parents.

If your son or daughter expresses their own interest (not just your interest) in trying out for a travel team at a young age, go for it. However, keep a few thoughts in mind:

• Don’t play on a team that meets every day or requires you to play only that sport : It’s too early for this much intensity. Medical and athletic training experts agree that exposing kids to a variety of sports at an early age and allowing them adequate rest time in between promotes strong physical and mental health.
• Don’t be discouraged if you are cut from a travel team : It means little. In fact, it might motivate your child to try and get better on his or her own.
• You don’t have to be on the “best” team: What your child ultimately needs is reps.

You’ll find there are travel coaches and teams that overemphasize winning, even from the youngest of ages. But balancing winning with skills development is a more productive way to go for keeping a kid playing a sport.

No one wants to lose all the time. It’s demoralizing, as is driving your kids an hour each way to games where their team consistently loses. You want to find a team that wins some, but, more importantly, gives them the playing time and experience they need to get better.

No players should consistently be sitting on the bench, and no one should be restricted to one position. You want your child to develop confidence in a variety of roles.

Playing in recreational leagues, such at Little League, often give your kids the same benefits as travel teams at these ages. Rec leagues generally cost much less (maybe a couple hundred dollars as opposed to a couple thousand or more per season) and you can supplement them by working with your kid on your own. (That's a a terrific way to bond with your child, by the way). You might also find a relatively low-cost clinic run by a high school or college coach or former professional athlete that emphasizes skill development balanced with fun.

Whatever you are doing, if your kid isn’t having fun , it’s not worth your time.

The intermediate ages: Follow your kids' enthusiasm (and their growth spurts) to find a travel team

Travel teams at the middle school ages are generally made up of kids who want to play that sport in high school.

Your son or daughter should find a team where they get mostly equal playing time with the other players. These teammates, and your opponents, should be at a similar skill level. However, playing competitive games with and against kids a little more skilled than yours will only make them better.

Game exposure – taking a lead off first base with the pitcher watching you, sensing the guard coming from behind you to try and steal the ball or the boards looming next to you when you’re skating toward the puck – brings out a player’s competitiveness. You’ll know during this stage how serious your kid is about a sport.

Improvement can move at light speed at these ages as kids grow and are motivated to get better when they see progression. Like with a musical instrument, the amount of practice your child puts in away from official practices will ultimately determine how much he or she improves. Yes, there will still be kids who are naturally talented, but you’ll be amazed at who starts passing whom when kids’ true passion for and ability at a sport kicks in.

Still, don’t play this sport year round. Try a different one for fun during the offseason to rest, avoid burnout and promote overall athleticism. (High school and college coaches love athletic players.) Perhaps you play a sport like baseball or soccer that competes in the fall and spring and has once-a-week winter weight training session. You can supplement that training by playing an indoor sport like basketball.

Finally, know what you are getting into and heed the cost. Travel teams can occupy several weeknights with practice and eat up most of your weekends with games.

If your child isn’t serious about playing a sport in high school but still loves it, play in a recreational league. You also might find a lower-key (and hopefully less expensive) travel team.

If cost is an issue, however, and your kid is highly motivated to play travel, a team might be able to work with you at reducing the fee. It never hurts to ask.

The high school ages: Self-motivation drives success on travel teams

This is the proving ground. Travel players at the high school level are usually serious about playing in college. (And there are generally no parent-coaches around to coddle you.)

Travel teams should not conflict with the high school season. You want them to be an accompaniment to a high school team to get the most out of your young athlete. My older son, for example, plays for his travel baseball team in the summer and fall and his high school baseball team in the spring.

High school-level travel teams are generally geared toward getting kids into college programs. If your child makes one of these travel teams, expect him or her to get similar playing time to the other kids so they can showcase their abilities to college coaches. If your kid isn't playing regularly, it's not worth your time. 

Teams that represent high schools, however, are generally geared toward winning. Your child will have to earn his or spot and playing time on the team. The goal is to beat the neighborhood or district rival, and high school coaches play the best players most of the time to try and achieve it. Don’t expect equitable playing time.

You need to be realistic with yourself and your kid at this stage. If he or she is not self-motivated to practice, condition and strength and weight train (high schools can provide programs), they aren't likely to get much playing time on a high school team. Similarly, if you see little or no self-motivation in your child to work extra at a sport, you don’t want to spend your money on a travel team.

Rec teams, however, still exist at the high school level, and they can help maintain fitness and a love for a sport. If you have that love, you might even consider coaching a youth rec team when you’re in high school.

A note on bad coaches: You have the power to choose a better one

The coach can make or break the experience. Make a firm assessment before you kid begins playing for his or her travel team.

I found when my sons reached middle school, they responded and related better to younger coaches who played the sport in high school and/or college than to me and other parent coaches.

Regardless of age, look for a coach who is transparent with parents but also discourages them from getting too heavily involved in the inner workings of the team. You also want a coach who doesn't permit spectators to “coach” their own kids from the stands during games.

Ask the coach about his or her policy on parent interference. At the very least, doing so will alert the coach to think about how to deal with meddlesome parents. You may even prompt the coach to call a preseason parent meeting to nip the issue in the bud. 

COACH STEVE: Three steps to deal with a problematic coach

Once the season starts, look for potential warning signs about the coach’s own conduct and encourage your kids to talk to you about what they see. One parent in Northern Virginia told me her daughter has a youth soccer travel coach who has spoken to players in what the mother describes as a "borderline verbally abusive manner." The coach has even told players they shouldn’t tell their moms and dads what he is telling them.

The woman knows about the coach’s behavior because her daughter told her about it. The daughter learned, her mother said, that some adults make poor choices and that she needs to speak up for herself or tell her parents when something seems off.

This girl wasn’t one of the players who was singled out, though. The parents of those players apparently haven't spoken up out of fear the coach will take it out on their kids.

If you are proactive about choosing your child’s travel coach and team, though, you can avoid being in a situation like this one.

Steve Borelli, aka Coach Steve, has been an editor and writer with USA TODAY since 1999. He spent 10 years coaching his two sons’ baseball and basketball teams. He and his wife, Colleen, are now loving life as sports parents for a high schooler and middle schooler. For his past columns, click  here .

Got a question for Coach Steve you want answered in a future column? Email him at  [email protected] .

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The pros and cons of travel sports

Travel teams can be fulfilling and help you or your child develop. but is it worth the costs and effort.

By Alyssa Bradford

Travel sports can be great for children or youth to learn life lessons, exercise and make friendships. However, being a part of the team is also costly and time consuming.

So should you or your child play a travel sport? It depends on what you and your family are looking for. As a general suggestion, have a sincere discussion about expectations and what sacrifices the family will need to make.

For specific information and data for the pros and cons of travel sports, see below.

What is a travel sport?

A travel sports team features elite youth athletes who compete and travel extensively for games, competitions or tournaments. They are associated with private or club sport programs, distinct from recreational or school leagues, per Verywell Family .

There are multiple sports that offer travel teams to families and youth. Here are some of the most popular, according to Groundwork :

• Basketball.
• Field hockey.
• Gymnastics.
• Ice hockey.
• Volleyball.
• Water polo.

The pros of travel sports including improvement of skills, friendships, daily activity, life lessons and traveling.

Takes skills to next level

Travel sports offer higher-level competition, providing a pathway from recreational leagues to varsity teams. This can make it tempting for athletes wanting to get onto high school or college teams, per Rocky Top Sports World .

Builds friendships

The extensive time spent with teammates during practices, games and tournaments fosters friendships and create memories. This bond is particularly beneficial for reserved or shy children, helping them to feel belonging and grow in social skills, according to Rocky Top .

Daily activity

For those ages 5 to 17, 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activities should be completed throughout a day. This helps strengthen hearts, muscles and bones, per the World Health Organization .

According to The Everymom , travel sports allow for frequent activity and exercise for children and youth to stay healthy. Plus, it is usually more enjoyable than going to the gym.

Learning lessons

The Everymom also shares valuable lessons that one can learn from travel sports:

• Perseverance.
• Committing to promises.
• Knowing how to work as a team.
• Standing up for yourself.
• Working on and succeeding in goals.

According to Rocky Top Sports World , athletes on travel teams get to explore new locations and compete against opponents from other regions, states and sometimes countries. Families often seize this opportunity to turn sports travel into a vacation by aligning it with tournaments or events.

Cons of travel sports include costs, time spent, burnout, risk of injury and possible conflict with religion.

Expensive costs

The costs of travel sports might change depending on what sport you play, the team and where you live.

Looking at the 15 most popular travel sports above, Groundwork also shares the average costs per spot on the team.

• Baseball: $1,894.
• Basketball: $822.
• Cheer: $2,307.
• Dance: $2,099.
• Field hockey: $1,186.
• Football: $349.
• Gymnastics: $2,778.
• Ice hockey: $2,529.
• Lacrosse: $1,352.
• Rugby: $281.
• Soccer: $1,535.
• Softball: $1,258.
• Swimming: $1,325.
• Volleyball: $3,159.
• Water polo: $1,439.

According to Groundwork , these fees do not include travel, equipment, clothing and other expenses. “Parents can end up spending $10,000 annually for their child to participate at this level.”

It’s time consuming

Children’s sports activities can dominate schedules, with parents and children traveling extensively to attend games and tournaments, per Character Development and Leadership .

According to The Everymom , as a child, the author’s typical life while playing travel sports included three to five nights of long practices per week and two to three days for an away tournament almost every weekend.

As she grew older, the author found less time for hobbies or socializing with friends, as schoolwork demanded more of her free time, per The Everymom .

Burnout is possible

Burnout entails both mental and physical exhaustion, resulting in loss of interest in meaningful activities, according to Darling Downs Health .

With travel sports, burnout can be possible because of the constant time and energy dedicated.

Zipdo has important statistics related to burnout and sports:

• Seventy percent of U.S. kids quit organized sports at age 13 due to burnout.
• Boys are more likely to drop out (36%) than girls (31%) due to burnout.
• Three out of four athletes have faced moderate to severe burnout.
• U.S. youth athletes practicing over three consecutive hours are 125% more prone to burnout.
• Over 45% of specialized youth athletes quit due to burnout.
• Burnout in children playing travel sports surged by 50% in 2017.
• Athletes training over 16 hours weekly with inadequate sleep face a 70% higher risk of burnout.

Greater risk of injury

According to Sadler Sports , more than 3.5 million youth sports injuries require medical treatment each year. Engaging in youth travel sports, as a lot of time is dedicated to the sport, can elevate the risk of overuse injuries.

Due to playing consistently, athletes can also sustain injuries that last throughout their lives, such as knee or head injuries, per The Everymom .

May conflict with religion

Depending on how you and your family worship, check to see if what is expected or required makes you feel comfortable. Here are some ways religion may conflict with sports, per Case IQ .

• Required tournaments often play on Saturdays and Sundays. Question if one or both of those days are sacred.
• Some religions might not be allowed to mix with the opposite gender. Besides teammates, travel sports include meeting with coaches and staff.
• Is the sport uniform okay? Does it allow you to wear religious coverings? Is the uniform too revealing or does it showcase sponsors that you do not believe in?
• Does the team or coach accommodate as necessary for religious practices, such as easier practice when fasting or a quiet area for religious observation?

Should you or your child play a travel sport?

According to Verywell Family , before committing to a team, have an open discussion with your family about the sacrifices involved and whether you are prepared to make them. Here are some general questions to ask, besides looking at the pros and cons above:

• Are you familiar with the coach or coaches and do they offer the right environment for you or your child?
• Are you or your child a good team player?
• Are you or your child passionate and dedicated about the sport?
• How much can the family financially spend? How much does the travel team cost?
• How much time can you or your family give away? Can you or your children continue to complete school or family assignments?

If you, your child or your family feel comfortable with the answers given above, go for it! While people may continue to do travel sports throughout their youth, it does not mean someone can’t stop if wanted.

Want to get onto a travel sports team?

If the team requires tryouts, it can be scary for you or your child.

Before the tryouts look at some of these tips from the Thunder Soccer Club , perfect for all sports:

• Think positively and be confident.
• Put things in perspective. If you make the team, great; if not, that’s okay. What will you do for training next time if you don’t make it yet?
• Meditate, pray, take deep breaths and do what is necessary to calm down.
• Eat a light meal with carbohydrates before tryouts to get energy.
• Drink plenty of water weeks before tryouts begin. Hydration will help in performance.
• Get to the tryouts early.
• Bring all of the equipment you need. Consider packing beforehand so you don’t forget.

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The Pros and Cons of Youth Travel Teams

A travel team is a youth sports team that plays at an elite level. These teams travel, often long distances and out of state, to games, competitions, and/or tournaments (hence the name). Usually, these teams are part of a private or club sports program, not a recreational league or one affiliated with a school.

There is almost always a try-out or audition process to join the team. And there is no guarantee of playing time (unlike in recreational leagues where all kids will usually get a chance to play regardless of ability). Travel teams are also sometimes called elite teams, select teams, club teams , or tournament teams.

Develop new skills

Enhances family bonding

Improved access to expert coaches

Reduces boredom

Increased risk for injury

Potential for burnout

Time-consuming

Young athletes can reach a point where they are bored with rec league play. A travel team may be the best way for them to learn new skills, meet expert coaches, progress in their sport, and have fun in the process. Kids need to be challenged so they can grow. On a competitive travel team, players gain great experience in team play and sportsmanship .

They also need to learn more about taking care of their body to keep it strong and healthy through conditioning, nutrition, and good sleep habits. And, of course, traveling can be a great way for both families and teams to bond through shared experiences, like meals or just swimming in the hotel pool. Kids are exposed to new cities and sometimes get a chance to play tourist.

Joining a travel team is definitely demanding, and not just for your kid. There are significant costs (thousands of dollars per season is common). There is a big time commitment: practices; games; travel; and parent volunteer hours all add up. It’s also likely that kids will need to miss school for team commitments. And with more practice and play time, the risk of injury and burnout goes up, too.

How to Make the Decision

It’s wonderful that your child wants to play at a higher level, but you need to be sure they understand what all you’re signing up for if they make the team.

When children are interested in a particular elite team, it's important to find out in advance what their expectations are. Have a frank family conversation about these sacrifices and whether you are willing to make them.

Be sure to consider these questions. It's really helpful to talk with other parents a few years ahead of you on the path—those who have experience with the same club or league you're looking at. Find out:

• Do you know the coach or coaches? Can you observe some practices or games before you commit? In many instances, the coaching staff can make or break a child’s experience with a team or sport. Look for positive, fair-minded coaching. Toughness is OK (even necessary for some kids and teams), but hostility isn’t.
• Does your child have the discipline, maturity, and attention span required to succeed? Even a child with exceptional innate talent still needs to be a good team player.
• How dedicated is your child? Do they want to try out for the travel team just because friends are doing it, or because it seems like the next step? Or are they truly passionate about the sport?
• How will they respond if they don't get selected for a team, or if they get selected but then don't see a lot of playing time? Do they understand that they'll have to compete for it?
• What is the financial commitment? It's not just what you'll spend on equipment and fees, which can be significant, but extras such as travel costs and required apparel purchases (like a team jacket or bag). And remember that there will be fundraising responsibilities, too.
• What is the time commitment? Lots of practice time is great for your player's development, but it definitely affects what other extracurricular activities they are able to do. And it cuts into homework time as well. Parents also will also have to give their own free time to volunteer.

Travel team play isn't right for every child, but it can be a lot of fun if you make the right match between child, sport, and team. The goal should always be for kids to have fun, be active, and keep learning, no matter what sport or team they choose.

The Sleep Foundation. How much sleep do student athletes need? .

Aspen Institute. 2019 State of play: Trends and developments in youth sports .

Moen F, Hrozanova M, Stiles TC, Stenseng F. Burnout and perceived performance among junior athletes-associations with affective and cognitive components of stress . Sports (Basel) . 2019;7(7). doi:10.3390/sports7070171

Merkel DL. Youth sport: positive and negative impact on young athletes . Open Access J Sports Med . 2013;4:151-60. doi:10.2147/OAJSM.S33556

By Catherine Holecko Catherine Holecko is an experienced freelance writer and editor who specializes in pregnancy, parenting, health and fitness. 

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Rise in travel teams has changed youth sports

If you have a child participating in travel sports in Western North Carolina, you’ve likely spent more than a few weekends and vacation days driving to Charlotte or Atlanta or Columbia or dozens of other destinations throughout the Southeast.

You’ve slept in countless motels, spent hundreds of hours at well-manicured baseball diamonds or soccer complexes and developed social bonds with fellow parents who also have committed themselves to the road life.

And you’ve likely spent thousands of dollars a year on registration fees, travel, camps, equipment and private lessons.

Parents and coaches say travel sports can be an excellent experience for young athletes. In addition to providing a higher level of competition than can be found in local recreation leagues, they say, travel can help kids develop social skills, become leaders and take in cultural resources in other cities.

At the same time, they admit the whole thing can be a grind.

“The kids are having fun, but also when you’re playing somewhere and it’s South Carolina and it’s 90 degrees and you play five games over two days, the kids are just baked after it’s done,” says Asheville’s Sid Border , who’s been involved with travel baseball as a father and a coach.

Travel teams are selective youth teams that play at an elite level in a variety of sports, including baseball, soccer, softball and lacrosse. Typically, they are run as part of a private or club sports program rather than a recreational league. Players travel long distances to participate in games, tournaments and showcase events.

The youth sports market in the U.S. topped $19 billion annually before the pandemic, according to a study by Wintergreen Research. A big part of that is the rise in travel sports operations and associated tournaments and showcase events over the last two decades.

“The travel sports, I think, have grown so much in popularity because those kids that are interested in playing for their high school team, interested in playing in college, they really have to work out through that system to train with kids of a similar level to reach those aspirations,” says Adam Payne , a parent who coaches a girls soccer travel team through Carolina Football Club Hendersonville.

Taking a toll

But some observers bemoan the proliferation of for-profit travel sports, which they say tend to hurt family cohesiveness, put physical and psychological strain on kids and devastate community-based recreation programs.

“A lot of people are traveling long distances just to participate in these games and tournaments, which in itself takes a huge toll on these kids,” says Joshua Vadeboncoeur , an adjunct instructor of sports management at UNC Asheville. “At that point, it’s not just a matter of going to the ballpark after school a few times a week. Now it’s basically a full-time job for them, especially over the summer months when a lot of these tournaments take place.”

Additionally, he says, the huge costs associated with travel sports mean the system tends to favor families that have financial means and flexible work schedules.

Parents and coaches are aware of such concerns, and they help out folks who can’t travel on weekends due to their jobs or other commitments by giving their kids rides to tournaments. Coaches try to schedule events so that time in the car is minimized.

And some travel organizations have scholarships available for athletes whose parents can’t afford the high costs — at least in theory. But not many take advantage of them.

“It’s intimidating for a kid to not have a ride all the time and always be with somebody else and be away,” says Asheville’s Michael James , whose son plays travel baseball.

All the coaches interviewed encourage young athletes to participate in multiple sports rather than specializing at too young an age.

“It’s very important to not only play other sports, but to go to the pool and swim and fish and camp and do things with your family,” Border says. “You want to see your grandparents and all these other things that can get put on the back burner behind travel sports.”

Border thinks the benefits of travel ball can be overblown, especially for kids under age 12. “They’re starting at 6 now and spending all summer going to tournaments,” he says. “And I don’t think that’s good for the development and the kids.”

Why travel?

So what motivates kids — and parents — to dedicate their lives and weekends to travel sports?

While some parents have visions of their child becoming the next Alex Morgan or Mike Trout , most have more realistic goals.

“The parents want the kids to be successful, the kids want to be successful, everybody wants to be good at something,” James says. “I think that people, at least the people that I know in our peer group, don’t see the grand illusion of making it in the major leagues. I think they know that with baseball, it’s really tough.”

Payne says simply making the middle school or high school team is enough motivation for most.

The Hendersonville-based girls soccer team he coaches has played roughly 130 games together over the last four years. A player competing only in a rec league, on the other hand, may have played something like 30 games in that stretch.

When it comes time for school tryouts, the difference readily becomes apparent.

Border says many families choose to participate in travel sports out of a fear of missing out.

“They’re told if they’re not specializing, they’re going to get left behind, they’re just not going to keep up with the other kids that are playing all the time,” he says.

Social benefits

For all the challenges travel presents, many say it provides a positive social experience for the athletes and their parents, who form friendships with the other adults.

“We’ve all been doing this together for so long that we don’t consider it a burden,” says Bob Clausen , who’s been involved with the Asheville Inline Hockey League for about 20 years. “We’re so tightknit and we’re so small that we consider it more of a vacation ourselves to get out of town and run off for the weekend and hang out with our buddies.”

He says his teams often will take over the dining area of a hotel in the evenings, order several pizzas and have a pizza party. “The kids all hang out and the parents all hang out. It’s actually great camaraderie.”

James agrees that many young people enjoy the travel experience.

“It’s a focused scenario where your family and friends are together, it’s all baseball, and then you have an opportunity to win, essentially right to the end,” he says. “It has been nice that they can continue to play together year after year and get to know each other and know the families. They get to have these longer-term relationships.”

Payne says players who participate in travel teams learn skills that will put them in a good position to be successful on their school teams and be leaders on those teams. “Not just in terms of ability, but understanding the game, being able to help the other players,” he says.

Rec leagues hurting

For James, nothing beats the scene at North Asheville Little League’s Weaver Park on a Friday night.

“With the lights and the neighbors coming down to watch the game and the kids running around the path, it’s amazing,” he says. “That community part, that’s what travel doesn’t quite have because you’re in some big manufactured complex.”

But the long-term viability of such community-based programs is in question, in part because travel teams take away the best players.

“This is hurting the everyday average child who just wants to have fun and participate in sport,” says UNCA’s Vadeboncoeur.

Border’s son plays in North Asheville Little League, which he says has stayed fairly strong even as many other Little League programs have suffered dwindling numbers. But for many of the more talented kids, the league is an afterthought.

“They show up when they don’t have the travel, but some of them don’t ever pitch or do certain positions because it’s just not the priority,” he says. Some travel coaches actively discourage their players from participating, he says.

“The fact that it [travel] hurts a lot of these Little League or local rec leagues is something that I really wish wasn’t happening,” he says.

Rec leagues react

Wayne Simmons , program and operations manager for Asheville Parks and Recreation, agrees the rise of travel teams has created challenges for rec leagues. For instance, scheduling games can be difficult in sports like baseball because some of the better players aren’t available on Saturdays.

And, he says, many travel players simply choose not to participate at all. In some cases, that’s because parents think travel coaches are better equipped to help players improve than volunteer coaches.

As a result, Simmons says, many rec leagues are running clinics and short-term programs designed to help players get better. Asheville Parks and Rec did weekly clinics for basketball players this past season and may do the same for other sports.

“The idea is to allow them to continue to get some additional development time outside of that traditional league format of one practice and a game a week,” Simmons says. “Kids really get to work on their fundamentals and not always be in that competitive venue.”

Players who were able to participate in the clinics regularly showed improvement, he says.

Also, the department is committed to giving volunteer coaches support, education and resources so they can run effective practices.

Simmons thinks travel sports have a place in the community, especially for young athletes who develop quickly and show great promise.

But he cautions parents to be aware of the effects travel commitments can have. “Let the kids drive that interest and that desire rather than having it forced on them.”

James agrees the best thing about travel teams is that they give families of talented athletes options if they want to develop their skills against elite competition.

“How healthy it is and everything I think is obviously up to each family,” he says.

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One thought on “ Rise in travel teams has changed youth sports ”

So it the parents like those mentioned in this article that are killing youth sports. 95% of these travel kids will be done with baseball by Hs. Maybe focus more on community service and education and we wouldn’t have a population of idiots.

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Insider: Families weigh pros, cons of travel sports’ growing role

Travel sports’ rising costs, time investment not for everyone..

The youth sports world has changed dramatically since I grew up in the 1980s and '90s. All the way through my senior year of high school, I played football, basketball and baseball. Once basketball season was over, you’d put your stuff away and — for the most part, with the exception of some summer leagues and camps and pick-up games — not worry about it again until the next season.

If you're from that generation, or before, you can probably relate. Which makes it so fascinating to me now to see the huge boom in youth sports, from a parent’s perspective. Last week, I read IndyStar correspondent Holly Johnson’s article, “ Why this Hamilton County family says no to travel sports ” with interest.

I posted Holly’s article on Twitter and asked for feedback from readers. Many agreed with her points that “travel” sports are too much of a financial and time-consumption burden. A sampling:

“If a kid is good enough for a scholarship, they will get it through (high school) sports,” wrote Jon Green. “Invest AAU $ into a 529 plan instead.”

“Agree 100 percent travel ball leads to specialization and burnout,” wrote Dave Deitch.

“Outstanding article,” wrote Brian Rea. “Way too many kids losing their childhood playing travel sports.”

“We say amen!” wrote Alicia Yilmaz. “Definitely a personal decision family to family but think there will be a lot of kids stressed/burnt out by teenage years.”

“Travel baseball has hurt basic fundamentals,” wrote JSandor16. “It’s a money racket. Ban it until age 14. Play 100 games practice 8 (times).”

“My kids are 10 & 6,” Andrew Smith wrote. “They should be having fun & learning fundamentals. We don’t do travel sports.”

There were those on the other side, as well. Dan King of Greenwood has been a board member for his 12-year-old son’s recreational baseball league for several years. This is his son’s first year playing for a travel program out of Franklin.

King found Holly’s premise “too simplistic.” His son isn’t playing travel baseball to chase a scholarship, he said.

“Then why does our son play travel baseball?” King wrote. “While he did things like practice on his own, he was not learning how to be coached or pushed to get more out of himself by anyone outside of himself or parents because he was in most cases the least of the volunteer coaches’ worries. In just a few months he’s been in this new environment he’s really learning how to take criticism and use it to make himself better and not just coast on what comes naturally to him.”

I think it’s important to distinguish what exactly “travel” sports are. My sons, fourth and second grade, play what is probably considered a level between recreation basketball and baseball and full-fledged travel. We’ve probably spent the night for a tournament twice and in both instances were more as sort of a “mini-vacation” than a necessity.

To me, true “travel ball” is when you are on the road multiple weekends in a season. Like Holly, I love the idea of having nowhere to be and nothing to do on some weekends (and agree that $500 a month for gymnastics for a 5-year-old is nuts). But if you believe in team sports as building characteristics in kids that can carry over to the real world as adults, you might not see it as a relentless pursuit of a scholarship that leaves you with zero benefits without one.

“Travel sports aren’t for everyone and either is staying home for the weekend,” wrote Chris Collier. “Better question is how many HS athletes didn’t play travel?”

I talked to Nick Reich, a former high school basketball coach, for our IndyStar SportsDay podcast . His sons, 11 and 10, are in competitive basketball, soccer and baseball. The time spent in the car, or coaching his kids, isn’t seen as “time lost” to travel sports. Those memories can be as precious as a carefree Saturday spent at home.

“If you’re driving to a game, you might get 30 or 35 minutes with them,” he said. “That is quality time. If we’re home, somebody might be in the basement or in their bedroom reading a book or whatever. That time in the car can be quality time between fathers and sons.”

There is no right or wrong here, which is an important point. There are unlimited options out there for travel sports and personal trainers, etc. It doesn’t mean you have to do all of it, or any of it.

Is there a happy medium somewhere?

“I believe it is a fine line,” Jason Roth wrote. “Parents that do it for their kids, great. Those that do it for themselves is the issue.”

Call IndyStar reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649. 

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How to Escape the Travel Team Trap

From the absurdity of ranking tee-ballers to barnstorming teams comprised of 8-year-olds, our youth sports system is broken .

Where the goal once was to prioritize fun and fundamentals, we’ve devolved into a pay-for-play system that sells the appearance of elite competition to the highest bidders. Worse yet, we’ve convinced parents that the only way for their son or daughter to compete is by joining a travel team.

Look, I get it. As a new parent (my son recently turned 1), my natural instinct is to do anything and everything to help my child. That will not change as his interests develop, and undoubtedly, I will face some of these same pressures.

Yet as a coach, I view the current landscape with frustration, because it seems so misleading. The promises of exposure and potential for scholarships are tenuous at best, especially the earlier the age. The costs to join are prohibitive. The time commitment creates stress both for the child and the parents. A 2015 study from Utah State actually found that the more money the parent spends on the sport, the less enjoyment and more stress the youth athlete feels.

When I consider the future of our youth sports programs, I think it’s time for a reset. We need alternatives to this:

Parents and kids alike should understand that enduring a 200-mile drive or a 3-night hotel stay 30 weekends out of the year isn’t necessary to play youth sports. Yet many parents believe if they don’t try to get their kids on these exclusive teams, then they’ll simply sit on the couch and play Xbox all day. This simply isn’t true. There are plenty of ways to develop healthy, happy, athletic young people without joining the travel team rat race.

With that in mind, here are four alternatives to help you delay or avoid the need to participate in pricey and stressful travel sports.

1. Play Multiple Sports

Often the most expensive travel teams are the ones that travel the country and compete near year-round. Engaging in multiple sports is an easy way to avoid these money-sucking squads.

While the coach running your local travel team will insinuate that the only way forward is to play the sport year-round, collegiate and professional coaches/athletes extol the virtues of multiple sports.

Be wary of a travel coach with a vested financial interest in having your child play for his/her team, especially if they promise you things they cannot possibly deliver. You’re better off listening to the actual decision makers who ultimately determine what scholarships and contracts are given out and to whom they are given.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what NFL superstar JJ Watt has to say on the subject:

If someone encourages your child to specialize in a single sport, that person generally does not have your child’s best interests in mind. — JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 7, 2017

Needless to say, I’m a big multi-sport proponent, especially at early ages. When your child plays multiple sports, here’s what happens for them :

• Gross motor skills, like running, jumping, skipping, balance and coordination are improved.
• Long-term athletic development is prioritized.
• Injury risk from overuse is reduced.
• Likelihood of burnout is reduced.
• Opportunities to experience different roles and adapt to different teammates and coaches increases.

Overall, that’s a very nice outcome.

Multi-sport participation doesn’t have to last forever either. As they mature, your child might gravitate toward a specific sport. There’s nothing wrong with that, and I firmly believe their interests should be kept at the forefront. If they want to specialize in their mid-teens, that’s much better than them specializing before their age hits double digits. On the flip side, if they have a continued interest in playing multiple sports, there’s really no reason they should feel the need to give any of them up before they graduate high school.

There’s currently no better billboard for multi-sport participation than Kyler Murray , who currently has two leagues competing for his services. While the NFL salivates over his skill set, MLB is willing to change their rules in hopes that he plays for them. He’s certainly an outlier in terms of skill and ability, but there’s no question that his athleticism and marketability are enhanced by the fact that he plays multiple sports. He’s just one of many quarterbacks who believe baseball made them a better signal-caller .

Finally, and this should go without saying, but multi-sport participation doesn’t mean playing multiple sports at the same time . Sadly, I’ve seen this ,and it only serves to create some of the very issues we’re trying to avoid. Save for rare exceptions, one sport per season is best. When that season is over, on to the next.

2. Utilize Local Rec Leagues

While your local league may not have the word “elite” attached to it, you’d be wise to consider them over a travel team.

To be quite frank, what constitutes elite is quite fleeting when you’re competing in youth sports. Too many variables like height, weight and hormonal changes exist at these early ages. Year to year (or even within a season), the strongest, fastest and most athletic will change. However, if a coach believes a player to be marginal, they may not receive the instruction needed to improve. Many of these flashy travel team coaches prefer to spend their time with those they deem to be “worth it,” because they think their future success will enhance their own standing and credibility. Clearly that’s detrimental, not just to player development, but to self esteem and overall interest in the sport. Again, the best interest of the child is not front and center.

Travel teams are also expensive and the return is dubious. If you’re spending a lot of cash on travel teams, hoping to receive a scholarship, I’d encourage you to check out the numbers. Just 2% of ALL high school athletes receive a college scholarship. The odds of hitting your number at the Roulette table are slightly better. They don’t improve because you specialize earlier. If college is a long-term goal, you’re better off putting your money into a 529 plan than spending thousands upon thousands of dollars on youth travel sports.

While you can never fully resolve concerns related to development and play time, local teams tend to offer the “fun and fundamentals” aspect that many travel teams have lost. Plus you eliminate the need to travel from city to city just to play a game. In this manner, local leagues are superior for reducing monetary investments and time commitments, while lowering stress for both child and family alike.

If you doubt that positive outcomes can be had at the local level, hopefully this quote from Coach Matt Lisle of the Chicago White Sox hits home:

Parents: Just FYI. Of the 700+ @MLB players & the thousands before them played in an 6U National World Series. ZERO. — Matt Lisle (@CoachLisle) January 29, 2019

The takeaway: except for some very rare exceptions, no colleges are recruiting kids based on anything earlier than their play in u-14 or so. They still spend the massive majority of their time scouting junior and senior high school players, so don’t think you need to be a phenom by the fourth grade to earn a scholarship.

3. Have at Least One Offseason

College players have one. Professional players have one. That some younger athletes do not is laughable.

An offseason for a young athlete looks like this: school. play. sleep. repeat.

With phys ed and recess in decline, we’ve skewed toward structuring every waking moment of a child’s life. As great as playing multiple sports is, we also must think of what environment children are playing in. Unstructured or “free” play is a critical component of physical, mental and social development.

Play time allows kids to expend energy and affords them an opportunity to create, problem solve and think for themselves. As a kid, time free of adult supervision was gold. We biked, played pick-up games , or created all sorts of made-up games in the yard. Most importantly, we had a blast doing it!

This video from coach Jeremy Frisch is a great example of kids creating a game and developing athleticism while the adults watch from afar:

Another Friday game day…I’m just a spectator! Their rules! Their game! #ultimatefootball #football #conditioning #games pic.twitter.com/oBgQOvVVXc — Jeremy Frisch (@JeremyFrisch) February 2, 2019

4. Get Them Into Strength Training

The Mayo Clinic states that kids as young as seven or eight can safely start strength training provided they’re mature enough to take and follow instructions.

By starting early, we increase athletic potential, now and in the future, because we maximize childhood adaptation windows. We also keep our kids active and help them learn how to move better. It’s important to remember that strength training is not just barbells and weight plates. For young children, it could simply be some basic bodyweight or resistance band exercises.

I recommend finding a certified strength and conditioning professional in your area if you’re interested. This coach will know how to evaluate your child and structure a workout that is age and skill appropriate, while also engaging and effective.

At these early stages, strength training mustn’t be complicated. If the child doesn’t want to do it, they shouldn’t be forced to do it. But if they’re interested and engaged, they can take on a number of different drills and exercises. Some of my favorite bodyweight movements for young athletes include:

• Body Weight Squats
• Squat Jumps
• Pull-ups or Body Rows
• Unweighted Single-Leg RDL
• Mountain Climbers
• Body Weight Reverse Lunge
• Lateral Bounding
• Physio Ball Hamstring Curl
• Lateral Hand Walks

You can mix and match 3-6 of these exercises for 2-3 sets of 6-15 reps to create an effective workout. Try to consistently change up the movements from one workout to the next. These movements are a great starting point because they challenge a young athlete’s strength, explosiveness and stability in multiple planes and ranges of motion. During this initial training phase, they’ll learn to Squat, Hip Hinge, Lunge and perform a Push-Up correctly before they ever touch a weight.

These are not high-volume workouts, so they can safely be implemented during the sport season. In the offseason, they leave plenty of free time for play. In either case, it’s a simple tweak that will help both engagement and athleticism above and beyond simply playing a sport.

While a lot of pressure exists to get caught up in travel team participation, consider the four alternatives presented in this article. Rather than forcing your child to play one sport for months on end in the pressure-packed environment that excessive travel and high costs can create, try these strategies to develop a well-rounded, grounded, and happy athlete who is in the game for the long haul.

Photo Credit: The Washington Post/Getty Images

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Pros and Cons of Young Travel Sport Teams

Your child loves sports so much that they’ve become part of a traveling sports team. A youth travel team is a sports group that play at the highest level. Considered elite, they often travel to other places, both locally and out of state, to play against their competitors. They may even play in tournaments. Typically, these teams are affiliated with a private club or their school. Being part of such an elite group is something you and child will remember forever. However, as many pros as there are, there is a downside as well. Whether your son or daughter is already a part of a sports team or is wanting to join, here’s a few things you should consider.

Before you get into the pros and cons, let’s talk about the financial investment. Even if your child is an excellent player, they may want to sign up for additional training Some they ‘ll probably have to audition to be accepted. That said, private sports coaches are expensive, so if you need a way to cover the cost , some families have even considered a personal loan may be the way to go.

Young athletes can reach a point where they are bored with rec league play. A travel team may be the best way for them to learn new skills , meet expert coaches, progress in their sport, and have fun in the process. Kids need to be challenged so they can grow. On a competitive travel team, players gain great experience in team play and when athletes reach a certain level, it’s important that their hard work is rewarded. That’s where the traveling groups come into play. Not only are their skills recognized, but they’re celebrated as well. Other pros of signing up to become part include:

• Builds new skills
• Boosts family bonding
• Increases self-esteem and confidence
• Increases feelings of life satisfaction

Another perk is that any young athletes grow bored when they play on traditional teams. Most excel ahead of their peers, so joining an elite traveling group is another way to keep boredom at bay.

While some may disagree, there are still a few cons to keep in mind. These types of teams can be demanding, and have expectations that are hard to fill. It’s not uncommon for youngsters to feel pressure to perform , which can lead to performance anxiety. They might worry so much that their school performance may start to dwindle, and they stop being a social as they used to be.

How to Make a Decision

When kids are interested in pursuing this path, you need to discuss their expectations first. You also need to have an open discussion about possible sacrifices and whether they are okay following through. Some of the most important questions you need to ask are:

• Are you comfortable with the coach?
• Are you able to watch some of the games prior to joining?
• Are there negative consequences if it’s not a good fit?

It’s important to discuss all the what-if’s prior to even auditioning. It’s equally important to discuss the reasons why it’s okay to have a change of heart.

Safety Precautions

Playing sports isn’t without risk. From broken bones to concussions, the risk is always there. As such, you need to speak with the coach and find out what type of safety measures are in place to prevent serious injury. Additionally, you also need to research the way your son or daughter will be training. Will the training be held in inclement weather like extremely hot and humid, or will they take the necessary precautions and postpone training in bad weather? This along with the fact that children with certain medical conditions might need to sit out should be investigated. While it’s true that physical activity is good for your health, the total time your children spend running, jumping or dodging being tackled increases the risk of injury or worse.

How Avoid Unsafe Practices

How your children train is just as important as how often. To reduce the risk of injury, pay attention to how training is carried out. If it seems like the coach is pushing the players too hard. Do they have regular breaks and times for rehydration, or does the coach chastise them for needing to take a break? If you do recognize this going on, it might be best to disenroll from the program. While this might be disappointing, it’s far better than having your child suffer a heatstroke.

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Specialization vs. Balance: The Benefits and Challenges of Travel Sports

By Madelyn Curtis

February 22 marked the beginning of the spring athletic season at Collegiate School. For Mackenzie Ferguson (‘22) , this means the start of long days spent in both the swimming pool and the lacrosse field. 

Ferguson’s alarm clock wakes her up at 4:15 a.m. each morning in order to get to her swim practice for her club team, SWIMRVA, by 5:00 a.m. After her first practice of the day, she attends school, which is immediately followed by varsity lacrosse practice. Ferguson then goes home to do her homework before trying to shut down for the day by about 8:30 p.m. “It’s hard to get to bed early, especially if I have a test or quiz,” she said.

Photo credit: Sean Hackney.

Playing two sports at an elite level is intense and difficult, but it’s worth it for Ferguson. “The feeling of success in the pool or on the field is one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced,” she said. 

Elite and club sports outside of school have become increasingly more popular for young athletes within the last two decades. Clubs have teams for elementary school-aged kids all the way to high school athletes. The increased popularity can be contributed to the trend of kids specializing and dedicating to a single sport, and to parents realizing the benefits of athletic excellence. College scholarships and other opportunities open up when children play at an elite level. Parents have seen famous athletes reap the benefits of training from a young age, and they want their children to follow suit.

For example, Venus and Serena Williams , superstar professional tennis players, are household names for a sport that is not as commonly watched in the US as other sports, like football or basketball. The Williams sisters have dominated the professional women’s tennis world, winning a combined 30 grand slam titles over the last two decades. Serena, with 23 of those titles, is one of the most popular tennis players in the world, with brand endorsement deals with Nike and Gatorade . 

The Williams sisters. Photo credit: Emmett Anderson.

But their climb to success was not easy. Their father, Richard Williams , spent every day of their childhood instructing them and pushing them to be the best. The Williams family even moved to Palm Beach, Florida to train with elite tennis coach Rick Macci when Venus and Serena were 11 and 10, respectively. All of their training and hard work paid off, though, as the sisters have a combined net worth of $320 million and years of success on the tennis courts.

Another example of an athlete who has had success since their childhood is Tiger Woods , who was trained by his father, Earl Woods , to be an elite professional golfer starting at the age of  three. Woods spent his whole childhood at the golf course, while his father used unconventional training methods , such as creating diversions and other disturbances while he played, to make Tiger tough and unflappable. 

The Woods family’s hard work was worth the time and effort, as Tiger quickly became an extremely successful professional golfer, starting with his first Masters win in 1997 at age 21. Out of the 359 tournaments he has played, Woods has won 82, resulting in a 22.8% winning percentage .

Photo credit: Rich Watts.

All three of these famous elite athletes had to practice and train their way to becoming the best in their respective sports. The Williams sisters and Woods sacrificed so much to reach the level of success they have, yet it was worth it to them because they love what they do.

This magnitude of success cannot be reached without a great deal of dedication and an enjoyment of the sport. If someone works too hard or too much when they do not truly love the game they play, it can lead to burnout and unhappiness, which diminishes the benefits of athletics.

Playing sports in childhood is extremely beneficial to a person’s physical health. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service states that those who are active and get consistent exercise lower their risk for heart disease and strokes by 35% , and they reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 50% . 

Staying active throughout one’s life is essential, and the habit of exercise starts with childhood sports. When children are exposed to activities and sports early, they will adapt to having them be a regular part of their life. Youth sports are important to get children to understand and to love exercise and physical activities, as well as developing relationship skills and learning to work on a team.

Youth sports do not only benefit physical well-being, but also mental health. In a study conducted by Ohio University , 73% of high school students said that playing sports for their high school positively impacted their mental health. After a long school day, the ability to take a break from thinking about school and just focus on a sports practice is a relief and so important for students to have. 

Research by the Aspen Institute finds that playing sports leads to “ high self esteem .” Athletics can foster confidence and empower them during the difficult time of high school.

Photo credit: Lindy Thackston.

Keaton Rahman (‘22), who has played soccer since she was eight years old and travel soccer for five years, echoes Ohio University ’s study in her thoughts about playing sports. She said that soccer is “an outlet for stress and an escape from everyday problems.” 

The Ohio University study also states that “9 out of 10 kids identify the main reason they play sports is for fun.” Many high schoolers use sports as a time to socialize and bond with friends. 

Rahman also said that the “team aspect” is one of her favorite parts of playing a travel sport. “I’ve met some of my best friends playing on soccer teams,” she said. 

Along with improving physical and mental health, sports teach kids valuable skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and persistence. The ability to collaborate and work well on a team is essential for school and many jobs. Playing team sports gives kids real experience in cooperating with their teammates to solve problems and work toward a common goal. Kids will also learn how to be leaders and how to work hard to win games or improve a skill. 

The valuable lessons children learn from sports and being on a team benefits them in the long run. The research by the Aspen Institute also found that children who were active were “15% more likely to go to college” and estimated to make about 7.5% more in their yearly income.

Sports also introduce the rush of competition to kids, as well as the importance of rules and being fair. Competition is important for children to learn how to try their best.

Caroline Curtis (‘19), a sophomore golfer at the University of Alabama and my sister, loves the competition of golf. “ I love being in a competitive atmosphere, there’s something exciting about being in that environment that keeps you wanting to keep working,” she said.

Caroline Curtis (’19). Photo credit: Jeff Hanson.

This motivation has a positive impact on children. Yet, too much competitiveness can hurt them and lead them to overtrain. The competitiveness can also spread to the parents and push their child too far, which can be an issue if their child does not share the same passion.

So how far is too far? Hard work is necessary for success, but where is the line that should not be crossed?

Burnout and overtraining can be extremely dangerous for younger children and teens.  The Children’s Hospital of Chicago identifies “specializing in one sport, high anxiety level, and pressure from parents/coaches” as “risk factors” for burnout. Athletes feel as though they have to meet the expectations set by their parents or coaches, so they practice too much, but for the wrong reasons. 

Talking about pressure, Rahman said, “I don’t want to waste my parent’s money or time, but I’m also aware that my teammates, coaches, and even parents count on me to play my best every single game.” Pressure can negatively affect athletes to the point of starting to hate the sport they play.

An article in Psychology Today by Robert Mueller , a psychology professor at Toronto’s York University who specializes in trauma, discusses how when parents become over-involved in a kid’s sports career, the child starts to lose “personal ownership” of their sports’ lives. This is detrimental to young athletes because they then feel as though they cannot notify a parent if they are not enjoying the sport anymore, due to fears of disappointing them.

In order to be successful in sports, repetition and intensity are necessary in one’s training. Getting real game experience against competitive teams also plays an important role in athlete improvement. Elite youth travel sports teams have adopted a practice model where the athletes practice almost every day of the week and then travel to play games or tournaments against teams on weekends. With this rigorous practice schedule, athletes who are not fully committed to their sport might start to lose enthusiasm. They could start to only be playing to please their parents and their coaches. Still wanting to get better, these athletes work harder and harder while getting no personal enjoyment out of playing, ultimately leading to burnout . 

Photo credit: John O’Neill.

With so many obligations, athletes playing travel sports will have to miss other social events. They might start to get frustrated with their sport because of the experiences they miss due to conflicts. Jay Seevers (‘22), a year-round travel lacrosse player, described missing school dances and other experiences as “sad and disappointing.”

“My social life is a sacrifice I’m willing to make, but finding out I have to miss social events for sports never gets easier,” Rahman said.

Curtis said, “I’ve missed out on a lot of ‘typical’ opportunities growing up, but the stuff I’ve been able to do and see as a result of my sport has been worth it.”

There are also physical health consequences for overtraining: overuse injuries. Medically defined as “a microtraumatic damage to a bone, muscle, or tendon that has been subjected to repetitive stress without sufficient time to heal or undergo the natural reparative process,” overuse injuries are extremely dangerous for young athletes. If an athlete gets hurt but can still play, they might hide the injury in fear of disappointing their parents or coaches by needing to take time off. The pressures from coaches and parents can be harmful to athletes, as they feel as though they have to hide their problems from them.

Another cause of overtraining is the fact that some young athletes hope to use their athletic skills to earn a scholarship for college. Having athletics be a promising opportunity for the chance to attend college, it puts a lot more pressure on athletes to perform. 

The core of the issue that leads to burnout is athletes not playing their sport for themselves. They start to play it to satisfy others, instead of playing because they are having fun. Success is only found when the athlete enjoys their sport.

Curtis on the golf course. Photo credit: Jeff Hanson.

“I get to play golf for a living. What more can you ask for – getting paid for doing what you love,” Tiger Woods once said. Woods worked so hard his whole life to be able to play his favorite sport at the highest level. His love for golf motivated him to become the best for himself, not for other people. Venus Williams said that, “it’s such an honor to [play professional tennis] because I love it.” 

Even though professional athletes like Woods and Williams undergo intense training regimens, they only succeed to the extent they do because they have found a balance in their lives. 

“Family first, and that’s what matters most,” Serena Williams said. Williams has found the ability to prioritize and separate parts of life, which Seevers also finds helpful. “I think I am able to balance the amount of lacrosse I play with school and spending time with friends and family,” he said.

Athletes can fail to create this balance and feel as the majority and personality of their life is consumed by their sport. Curtis said that “it’s really hard to get caught up in letting your results dictate who you are, and it’s important to separate your identity and your sport and know they’re not the same.”

Evan Justice (’17) on the mound for the Cougars. Photo credit: Brian Justice.

Upper School history and religion teacher Brian Justice (‘85), also a former basketball coach, emphasizes balance when talking about youth athletics. His son, Evan Justice (‘17), plays baseball at North Carolina State University . With 56 regular season games, plus postseason and offseason games, baseball is one of the sports with the “biggest commitment,” Justice said, and keeping a balance is essential to being successful.

Evan started playing travel baseball when he was 12 years old. But until he went to college, he still played football and basketball, in addition to baseball, as well as being a part of the jazz band at Collegiate. Justice “does not believe in specialization” and “never thought it was healthy” for his son. Along with varsity baseball coach Andrew Slater, Justice said he was cautious to “not overschedule” Evan. In order to keep that balance, Justice always made sure Evan has participated in those other sports and activities. 

Balance is the key to succeeding in having a lasting, happy career in sports. “It’s so important to have interests and hobbies outside of your sport to ensure you still love what you’re doing,” Curtis said. 

Ferguson juggles lacrosse, swimming, academics and her social life, and she calls finding a balance “difficult” but stresses its importance. “I say to always do what you feel comfortable with, and to listen to your body.” Nevertheless, Ferguson finds all of the long days worth it. “It makes me happy,” she said simply. 

Justice pitching for NC State. Photo credit: Brian Justice

Justice thinks there is great value in travel sports, but being mindful of overtraining can pay off in the long run. “Travel sports are great if they work for you, instead of you working for them,” he said. 

Featured image credit: Lindy Thackston.

About the author

Madelyn Curtis is a junior at Collegiate.

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Oct 02, 2017 • 4 min read

The Socioeconomics of Travel Sports: Are They for Kids or Parents?

• Sports Parents

Travel sports are all too often a socioeconomic status symbol for parents. For those that truly believe it’s the best thing for their eight, nine and 10 year olds, it’s often a delusion.  I’ve seen this in rec baseball leagues, where the focus is packing as many games into a summer season as possible, with little concern for practice time.

How much emphasis is placed on practice in a travel ball season? How about the select softball team, or the elite basketball team? How does team culture develop on travel teams that have different lineups every weekend because the rosters change so often? How can coaches possibly foster relationships with players? How does winning the weekend tournament translate into youth development?

In my opinion, the biggest problem with travel teams is the focus on winning . Of course, we all want to win. But the focus of the players, coaches and parents should have little to do with winning, especially when we’re talking about eight, nine or 10 year old players. I’ve watched entirely too many U10 softball coaches in travel tournaments get bent out of shape because their team lost. All that effort poured into winning a weekend tournament, when it should be put toward developing young athletes.

Now let’s talk about playing time. How do parents react when they pay tons for travel teams, yet their young athlete doesn’t actually play because the coach wants to win? I suppose that parent could still say, “My kid plays on a travel team.” If they do say that, it’s a social status statement. In the back of their mind, they’re really saying, “Your kid only  plays rec ball.”

There’s a perception that coaches are better on travel teams, but I think this is also misguided. Anyone can start a travel team and call it top of the line. It takes no special education, no coaching certification, only money. How does that make the coaching better? And though competition is often better, playing time and development are not guaranteed. It’s a big gamble.

Travel teams absolutely have their place. High school baseball players that want more work in the summer should play travel. High school basketball players that want to enter college programs should play travel. Notice the trend: high school athletes.

Ask the nine year old softball player or the 10 year old basketball player this question: “Do you want to play sports with your friends from school or would you rather play in travel tournaments most weekends?” You might be surprised by the answer.

So, is the choice to play travel ball the young athlete’s decision, or is it a status symbol for the parents? Or do the parents really think it’s the best option for the player?

Morgan Sullivan has been married for over 14 years to his amazing wife and has four wonderful children. He has coached baseball, softball, football and boys’ and girls’ basketball from the junior high level down to three-year-old developmental leagues. Coaching youth is his passion and his efforts are set to improve the state of youth coaching and being a youth sports parent. You can find more info at his website,  coachmorgansullivan.com .

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The State of Travel Ball [Real Parent Survey Results]

By Bat Digest

In June 2023, we conducted a survey involving approximately 700 parents of baseball players regarding their experiences with travel teams. We aimed to present this data in an annual report called the State of Travel Ball, making it easily accessible to a broader audience. To assist parents, players, and coaches in forming their conclusions, we have focused primarily on presenting factual information rather than providing extensive commentary or opinionated analysis. This report seeks to answer the question: Is Travel Ball Worth it?

Quick Takes

• Despite all the costs, travel, and coaching issues, most parents are ‘satisfied’ with Travel Baseball.
• The average annual travel ball player pays $2,178 per year. This does not include uniforms or any ancillary fees.
• The average travel baseball player participates in about 47 games and 45 practices. However, there is wide variation here.
• Over 40% of players have two or fewer months off baseball per year, while only 10% have more than six months off.
• The “typical” family travels about eight nights yearly because of the travel ball.
• The typical family travels between 10 and 15 miles to practice. More than a few, however, travel 50 or more miles.
• 20% of respondents believe they are ‘absolutely’ playing college baseball.
• Over 50% of Travel Ball coaches are paid.
• Most parents believe their travel ball team does NOT overpitch their players, although most teams pitch less than half of their players.

Selection Bias

This data, like all data, should be taken skeptically. The bias from individuals self-selecting to take a survey about Travel Ball implies a lot and immediately skews the data. We aren’t interested in giving breathless commentary here, so we’ll let the data speak for itself. But, be sure, we know that such bias in the data exists, but that doesn’t make it useless or uninteresting.

Travel Ball Satisfaction

About 2/3 of Travel Ball parents are satisfied with their experience. Although, as you will see below, most parents are satisfied, it costs a lot of money, a severe amount of time, and requires more than a week of sleeping somewhere else.

To be sure, this is respondents that play travel baseball, so the selection bias is real with this one. But, if you are considering travel baseball, do know that, at any given time, most parents appear to be happy with their decision to participate despite all its potential drawbacks.

The Average Price of Travel Ball Teams

After excluding families that reported zero team fees, our analysis shows that parents investing in travel baseball face significant financial commitments. On average, families spent approximately $2,178.25 on team fees in the most recent year. These costs varied considerably, with a standard deviation of about $1,411.04, indicating a broad distribution of expenses. At the lower end, we observed that 25% of families spent $1,000 or less, excluding those who reported zero costs. The median expenditure, a more representative measure of a ‘typical’ family’s spending due to the skew in our data, remained at $2,000. On the higher end, 25% of families spent up to $3,000, with the highest reported costs reaching $10,000. These figures underscore the substantial investment parents make to support their children’s involvement in travel baseball, reflecting the sport’s potential to foster enriching skills, experiences, and opportunities. Recognizing these financial commitments is essential as we continue exploring ways to enhance our programs’ value and impact.

The Number of Games and Practices

On average, a travel baseball player participated in approximately 46 games per year and, based on our data collected, ranged from 3 to 100. The majority of players stayed between 20 and 60 games.

Compare that with the number of practices held. The average parent of a player reported 52 practices (one a week) per year. The median number of practices (that is the middle team) had around 45 practices. The vast majority of practices are between 24 to 75 players.

The scatter plot below visually compares the number of games played and practices attended by each individual in the dataset. Each point represents an individual, with the x-coordinate indicating the number of games played and the y-coordinate showing the number of practices attended.

We can see a positive correlation between the two variables, suggesting that individuals who attend more practice also tend to play more games and vice versa. However, there is some variation in this trend, with some individuals attending a large number of practices but playing fewer games and others playing a large number of games with fewer practices.

It’s also worth noting that a cluster of individuals attend around 45 practices and play around 45 games, which aligns with our earlier finding that the median number of games played and practices attended is 45.

Number of Months Off Travel Baseball

The bar plot below shows the distribution of the number of months off from travel baseball as a percentage of total responses.

Here are the percentages for each category:

• No months off : 2.41% of players
• 1-2 months off : 39.49% of players
• 3-4 months off : 36.44% of players
• 5-6 months off : 11.56% of players
• 6+ months off : 10.11% of players

This analysis reveals that the majority of players (75.93%) have a break of 1-4 months in a year. A smaller percentage of players (21.67%) have a more extended break of 5 months or more. Only a tiny fraction of players (2.41%) have no months off.

These percentages provide a more nuanced understanding of the number of months off distribution, giving us insights into the typical rest periods and the intensity of engagement in travel baseball.

Number of Nights Away from Home

We also asked parents how many nights they spent away from home because of travel baseball. We know this answer often gets muddy as many family vacations are combined with travel tournaments. In any case, we asked the surveyed to give their best shot at how many nights they spend away from their home because of travel ball.

• Average Nights Out : Families spend approximately ten nights out due to travel baseball in a year.
• Range of Nights Out : The number of nights out varies, with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 30 per year.
• Most Common Number of Nights Out: Most families spend 5 to 15 nights out.
• Median Nights Out:  The median number of nights out, which provides a more representative measure of a ‘typical’ family due to the skew in our data, is eight nights.

Distance of Travel Ball Practice

The practice distance data for travel baseball reveals that families travel approximately 15.5 miles for practice on average. The distance varies widely, ranging from a minimum of 0 miles to a maximum of 100 miles, indicating the diverse geographical spread of families involved in the sport. Despite this wide range, most families typically travel between 5 to 15 miles for practice, as revealed by the distribution analysis.

The median practice distance is 10 miles, suggesting that half the families travel ten or less for practice. This data underscores families’ significant travel commitments for practice sessions in travel baseball and the time commitments for games and practices. It highlights the extent of dedication and commitment that families demonstrate toward supporting their children’s involvement in the sport.

College Ball Aspirations

We asked each respondent about the future of their player in college ball. Specifically, will your player play ball in college? These are how the answers break down.

• Definite : Approximately 19.84% of the respondents were confident in their future in college baseball.
• Probable: A slightly higher percentage, 23.36% of the respondents, said they would ‘probably’ play college baseball.
• Maybe : The largest group of respondents, 32.00%, were ‘maybe’ considering their future in college baseball.
• Lack of Clarity : A significant portion, 20.48%, expressed that they were ‘unsure’ about college baseball.
• No Interest : A small fraction, 4.32%, indicated ‘no’ interest in college baseball.

This analysis clearly shows the respondents’ varying intent and expectations of college baseball. While a considerable portion is definitely or probably interested, there is a significant level of uncertainty, with the largest group of respondents in the ‘maybe’ category. Only a tiny fraction have definitively ruled out college baseball.

Are Travel Ball Coaches Paid?

Based on our respondents, over 50% of Travel Ball coaches are paid. Some are paid directly (10%) while the rest are paid through the team fees.

This analysis provides insights into the various ways in which coaches are compensated in travel baseball. The nearly even split between families who pay coach fees and those who do not have a paid coach suggests a diversity of coaching arrangements in the sport. A small but significant percentage of families pay their coach directly, outside of team fees, indicating a direct financial relationship. Finally, the fact that a sizable group is unsure about their coach’s compensation status underscores the complexity and variability of coaching arrangements in travel baseball.

Development: Position Changes

Most respondents (42.77%) stated that position changes occur ‘sometimes.’ This was followed by ‘frequently’ (31.67%), ‘rarely’ (15.59%), and ‘almost never’ (9.97%). This suggests that for most players, changing positions is a relatively common occurrence in travel baseball, possibly reflecting the sport’s emphasis on versatility and broad skill development. However, 1 out of 4 teams tend to change their players positions infrequently.

Development: Pitcher Depth

The highest percentage of respondents (43.57%) indicated that the number of players on their team pitched was between 26-50%. This was followed by 51-75% (29.90%), 0-25% (18.17%), and 76-100% (8.36%). These findings indicate that most players are involved in pitching to some extent, although plenty of teams rely on a few arms.

Pitch Count Issues

Most respondents (75.12%) felt that coaches use pitchers adequately. However, a notable number of respondents (11.56%) felt that coaches do not use pitchers enough, while a similar percentage (10.75%) felt that coaches use pitchers too much. Only a tiny fraction of respondents (2.57%) disagreed on pitcher usage. These findings suggest that while most families are satisfied with how coaches handle pitchers, there are differing opinions on whether pitchers are used too much.

In conclusion, the State of Travel Ball survey conducted in June 2023 provides a comprehensive view of the experiences of approximately 700 parents of baseball players involved in travel teams. The survey reveals that despite the significant financial commitments, with an average annual cost of $2,178, and the time and travel demands, most parents are satisfied with their child’s participation in Travel Baseball. The data also highlights the varying intensity of engagement in the sport, with most players having a break of 1-4 months a year and families spending approximately eight nights away from home due to travel baseball.

Interestingly, the survey also uncovers the aspirations and expectations of the players, with a significant portion expressing a definite or probable interest in playing college baseball. However, a large group remains uncertain about this prospect. The survey also provides insights into the coaching arrangements in travel baseball, revealing that over 50% of Travel Ball coaches are paid, either directly or through team fees.

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Travel Baseball: The Ultimate Guide for Parents and Players

Table of Contents

What is travel baseball, what to look for in a travel baseball team, travel baseball vs. little league, travel baseball pros and cons , criticisms and controversy, is travel baseball worth it.

For many families, the transition from Little League to travel baseball comes with stress, anxiety and questions about what to look for in a team and what to expect from the experience — not to mention the question of whether making the switch from a more laid-back rec ball program to a more competitive (and expensive) travel club is the right decision in the first place.

In this post, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about getting started with youth travel baseball. We’ll help you answer the questions above and determine whether travel baseball is a good fit for your son or daughter. 

If you have a softball player in the family, you may also want to check out our article “ What to Look For in a Travel Softball Team ,” which covers some of the same information from a softball perspective and dives deep into my personal experience as an elite-level amateur player and college recruiting prospect.

Table of Contents :

• How to Choose a Travel Baseball Team
• Travel Baseball Pros and Cons
• Is Travel Baseball Worth It?  

First, it’s important to understand what a travel baseball team is and how travel baseball is organized. 

There are tens of thousands of travel baseball teams around the country, and their popularity has exploded over the past two decades. As recently as the 1990s, travel baseball was a niche experience limited mostly to elite players in baseball-rich areas like Texas and California. Today, participation is seen by many as a near necessity for talented players to develop their skills and hone their game against the best competition they can find. 

Whereas Little League is the dominant organization when it comes to recreational youth baseball, there are multiple organizations throughout the country that host hundreds of travel tournaments each year. Some of the biggest and most popular are USSSA (United States Speciality Sports Association), AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), Triple Crown Sports , and Perfect Game . Travel baseball teams often participate in tournaments organized by more than one of those organizations. 

A team can be started by anyone. Many are formed by parents, but many others are formed by high school and former college coaches. Depending on their organizational goals, some programs have just one team that participates in one age bracket (such as 10 and under), while some are run like businesses and have teams that compete in every age group. 

Some huge organizations, such as California Baseball Academy (CBA), even have multiple teams within the same age group, located in multiple cities. CBA has teams not only in California, but also in Nevada, Texas, Utah and the southeast. High-level programs like that are often known for attracting top talent, for training recruits into elite players, and for feeding those players into nearby colleges and universities. 

Travel Baseball Competition Structure

Virtually all travel baseball games are played on weekends in a tournament format. Those tournaments can theoretically be held anywhere, but are frequently held at multi-field facilities in easily-accessible travel hubs. For example, many Florida tournaments are held in Orlando because it’s in the relative center of the state, it has plenty of hotel rooms, and it’s home to many great baseball facilities. The farther you live away from such a hub, the more you should expect to travel. 

Most tournaments begin with pool play, meaning that teams are guaranteed a number of games before heading into single elimination. A team can expect to play anywhere from three to eight games over the course of a two-day or three-day tournament, depending on how they perform.

There is no set number of tournaments a team must participate in. Each team decides which tournaments to enter on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as age level, skill level, and cost. In general, two tournaments per month can be seen as about average, although higher-level teams may play more frequently. 

Most organizations run regional and national championships, which are invite-only. For example, USSSA hosts “qualifier” tournaments, where the winner of the championship game (and sometimes the runner up) can earn a bid to the USSSA national tournament.

Additionally, beginning at age 14, some teams start participating in “college exposure tournaments,” where college scouts come from across the country to watch and evaluate prospects. These tournaments are typically more expensive than regular tournaments, and are often farther away.

How to Join a Travel Baseball Team

If you’ve decided to join a travel baseball team and aren’t sure where to find one, there are a number of resources available. 

It may go without saying, but word-of-mouth can be a valuable first reference point. If you’re thinking about switching to travel baseball, chances are that you already know someone in your area who has made the jump. If so, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about the team and their experience. It’s a big commitment — both in terms of time and finances — so it’s important to make sure you find the right club for your son or daughter.

In addition to word of mouth, many organizations offer a list of active teams on their website. For example, USSSA has a tool that lets you filter teams by age level, skill level, and location . There are also many state-based forums and Facebook groups where coaches post their team’s tryouts (and positions needed). As an example, here are Facebook groups for travel baseball teams in Florida and Michigan ⁠— you can find similar groups for every state. 

Another good option is FieldLevel.com , which (like the USSSA site) allows you to filter teams by state and level. While not every team is listed on that website, it does include over 4,000 clubs.

Here are eight things to think about when evaluating teams. These factors will make a big difference when it comes to your overall experience, so take the time to think about them, and don’t be afraid to ask questions of parents and coaches.

1. Coaching  

A coaching staff can make or break a team. How coaches manage players, keep the game fun, instill the fundamentals, and focus on development — not only as athletes, but as young men and women — is extremely important. 

Some travel baseball teams have parents or grandparents serving as the head coach. While that can be fine, it’s important to make sure those coaches don’t make keeping their own child on the field a priority. Before committing to a team, spend some time researching it by watching a practice and talking to current and/or former players and parents. 

What’s the coaching style? Do they have high expectations but still encourage and love their players? Or, on the other hand, are they screaming at players when they make a mistake? 

Additionally, are players treated equitably, or do some get preferential treatment based on their relationship to the coach or their financial contribution to the team?

Ideally, your child will be a part of that team and organization for consecutive years, rather than bouncing from team to team. As such, determining whether the coaching staff is a good fit is a crucial first step.

2. Cost  

For many parents, this is the most terrifying aspect of travel baseball.

Just how much of a toll is this going to take on your bank account? The specific answer varies, but the typical range of cost for participating in travel baseball is between $500 and $2,500 per year. 

That said, you can end up spending a lot more than that. Back in 2011, CBS News reported that one Georgia family paid $4,000 per year for their 9-year-old son’s travel team. You can imagine that older players in elite programs that travel all over the country can spend even more over the course of a season.

Typically, the more intensely focused a program is on developing its players for college baseball, the more money the program is going to cost. On the other hand, teams that are playing more for the fun of it — those looking for just a little more structure and competition than offered by Little League — won’t put as much of a dent in your wallet.

There are a number of specific factors that go into how much it costs to be on a team:

• Where you live . If you live in a baseball hub, like Texas or California, you won’t have to travel as far to get to tournaments. Many teams from rural areas regularly drive across multiple states (or sometimes even fly) to tournaments. As such, where you live will likely be the single biggest variable in your overall travel baseball cost.
• Whether you have to buy your own equipment . Some teams are sponsored by equipment companies like Easton and Rawlings and have their bats, gloves and cleats provided either for free or at a reduced cost. Obviously, this can be a huge savings. Also, keep in mind that (unfortunately) equipment is often viewed as a status symbol in travel baseball. If your child joins a team where every other player has multiple bats and position-specific gloves, he or she is going to press you for similar gear.
• Whether you have to rent facilities . Some teams practice exclusively at public fields. Others have little or no access to such facilities and have to rent fields and/or indoor space (especially for winter workouts). This can have a huge impact on the overall cost of participation.
• Whether or not coaches are paid . Some teams — typically the more competitive ones — pay their coaches small stipends and/or cover their cost of travel. On one hand, this tends to lead to better coaching. On the other hand, families are the ones who will ultimately foot that bill.
• How competitive the team is . Higher-level tournaments typically have higher fees. Lower-level tournaments, operated on a more sub-regional basis, are usually much less expensive to enter. If cost is a concern, make sure you know what types of tournaments the team usually enters over the course of the season. 

3. Location  

As stated earlier, location is a key factor in deciding which travel team to play for. If you’re fortunate enough to live in California, Florida or Texas, you’re going to have a lot of opportunities to play with and against high-level competition right in your backyard. 

But outside of those states, it’s a little bit tougher, and you have to decide how committed you are to playing at the highest possible level. 

For example, if you live in a medium-sized town outside of a major baseball hub, chances are you have at least a couple of travel ball options. However, the odds are that those options are not the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to coaching and competitiveness. In order to play for the absolute “best” team possible, you might have to commute from your mid-sized town to the nearest major city. 

So you’ll be faced with the following choice: play on a lower level team that’s closer to home, or drive a hundred miles or more for twice-weekly practices? It may sound crazy, but many families do just that. 

Why would they commit so much time and money to their son or daughter’s athletic pursuits? It comes down to goals. Better teams often provide better coaching and more opportunities for exposure to college and professional scouts. 

What’s the team’s mission? Is the focus on fun, player development, college exposure, or a mix of all there? Teams can have many different goals and missions, and there’s no right or wrong approach.

However, it is possible that a team’s mission does not align with your values and goals, and you need to think about this before committing, as a compatibility mismatch can lead to coach-parent and coach-player tension. 

5. Organization

Consider the reputation of the organization you’re evaluating. When you join a team, you and your son or daughter will essentially be endorsing everything the program stands for. If they’re known for dirty play or being disrespectful to the game, you’ll be associated with that. 

And believe it or not, the baseball world is a small and surprisingly tight-knit community. College coaches tend to know which programs produce bad apples — and they avoid them. In fact, many college coaches will completely write off an entire organization that has a reputation for not playing the game the right way or for having disrespectful players.

6. Playing Time

There’s an important balance between getting enough playing time and being challenged. Before committing, ask the coaching staff what kind of playing time your child can expect — including at what position. 

If there are two returning shortstops, he or she most likely won’t be playing there and might have to learn another position. That’s not a bad thing: college coaches want players that are versatile, and many players change positions as they get older and their bodies develop. 

Still, it’s helpful to know what to expect ahead of time. Getting game reps is important from a development perspective, but also just from a fun perspective: no kid wants to consistently travel to a tournament only to sit on the bench for most of the weekend. 

7. Skill Level

Be realistic about your child’s skill level, and pay attention to the level of competition around him or her at tryouts (i.e., the skill levels of the other players). If your kid has the fight and desire to compete for a spot (like they’ll have to do if they make it to college ball), then putting them on a team where they’ll be challenged is the best option. 

But if he or she is there to have fun and make friends, with no burning desire to be constantly improving, then choosing a travel team that’s more low-key will be the better call.

8. What You’re Giving Up

Travel baseball tournaments are on weekends, and players often have to sacrifice certain things that are part of a normal childhood. 

Is your son or daughter willing to miss out on things like birthdays, sleepovers and school dances, because most of their time is spent doing homework, traveling to and from games and practices, practicing on their own (possibly including private lessons), and spending nearly every summer weekend at the ballpark?

And are they willing to sacrifice the material things that matter to kids — things like clothes, video games, new smartphones, etc. — because so much money is being spent on baseball? 

As I wrote in THV’s guide to travel softball , my family made major sacrifices to support my athletic pursuits. 

For some, their love of the game is so great that giving up these things is a no-brainer. For others, they may regret missing out on these social activities. And that’s perfectly fine! Just be honest with each other and talk about the true costs of travel baseball — because it’s not just the sticker price.

There are some important similarities and differences between competitive travel baseball and recreational baseball. Both can teach many valuable life skills, such as work ethic, good sportsmanship, teamwork and bouncing back from failure. But they are very different when it comes to time commitment and competitiveness.

The Little League schedule usually runs from the late spring through early summer, with teams practicing twice per week and playing two games per week. The total number of games per season varies, but it usually ranges from 10 to 20. It’s a local program, which means travel is either limited or non-existent. In general, Little League coaches are parents.

Little League can be a great place for kids as young as 4-years-old to start playing the game. They’ll learn the rules and the absolute basics of hitting, pitching and fielding in a fun an easy-going environment (except for the occasional parent that takes their coaching position overboard). 

Overall, Little League fits the classic stereotype of youth baseball: kids having fun playing the greatest game in the world, without much pressure or focus on player development. 

Back in the day, Little League would feed into middle school and high school programs, which carried the bulk of the weight when it came to getting payers ready for college and the pros. But today, the reality is that it’s almost impossible to get the coaching and skill development you need by participating only Little league or other rec ball programs. 

That’s especially true when it comes to the gap between “Majors” Little League (12-and-under) and high school. Few middle schools still have baseball programs, and those programs that do exist tend not to be very good. Likewise, while Little League offers both a Junior division (12-14) and a Senior division (14-16), those leagues tend to pale in comparison to the coaching and competition offered by travel ball. 

So, if your son or daughter is serious about playing baseball at a high level, it’s especially important to focus on the transition to travel ball at around the age of 11 or 12.

There are positives and negatives when it comes to travel baseball. Here are a few of each.

• Better competition : Players are more serious about the game and more driven to improve. This higher level of competition will help push your son or daughter to improve their own skills.
• Better coaching : Travel baseball coaches tend to be better qualified, more knowledgeable, and better-connected. At the highest levels of travel ball, teams often employ former professional coaches.
• More exposure : Aside from high school baseball, travel ball is the primary means of exposure to college coaches and pro scouts. Plus, travel teams often attend showcase tournaments and camps.
• More games played : Travel teams play significantly more games per year than rec ball teams.
• Facilitates travel : Sometimes seen as an ancillary benefit, the travel itself can be a valuable and eye-opening experience for players. Many kids don’t have an opportunity to travel out of their own area or state, and travel baseball can provide that. 
• Encourages character development : Because travel teams are more serious, there’s a greater emphasis put on things like being on time, demonstrating maximum effort, and having a good attitude.  
• Cost : Travel baseball is expensive — sometimes absurdly so. Families often spend around $2,500 per year, but the costs can be even higher. 
• Time commitment : Even a moderately competitive travel team can consume an entire summer’s worth of weekends. 
• Ultra-competitive : On most travel teams, there’s a balance between player development and winning. What you won’t often find is an “everybody plays” approach. For the most part, the best players will play the most, which makes for a highly-competitive environment. 
• Tougher workouts : This can be a pro or a con, depending on the player’s perspective and goals. Tougher workouts can lead to better outcomes, but they can also be mentally and physically taxing if the player isn’t fully invested.
• Lack of diversity : Because travel baseball is expensive, it has often been criticized for a lack of socioeconomic and racial diversity. 

Travel baseball provides many benefits and can be a valuable opportunity for players who are serious about the game and committed to playing at the highest possible level. However, it’s not without its share of criticism and controversy. 

In an essay titled “ Left Out ,” MLB superstar Andrew McCutchen wrote about how kids like him, who grow up in low-income families, are often excluded from travel baseball and thus systematically disadvantaged when it comes to development and exposure: 

“When you’re a kid from a low-income family who has talent, how do you get recognized? Now, you have to pay thousands of dollars for the chance to be noticed in showcase tournaments in big cities. My parents loved me, but they had to work hard to put food on the table, and there wasn’t much left over. They didn’t have the option of skipping a shift to take me to a tournament over the weekend. […] That’s the challenge for families today. It’s not about the $100 bat. It’s about the $100-a-night motel room and the $30 gas money and the $300 tournament fee. 

[…] If you’re a poor kid with raw ability, it’s not enough.”

McCutchen was lucky: an AAU coach “discovered” him at the age of 13 and covered his travel ball expenses. But most kids from similar situations aren’t so fortunate. 

Why is this important for you, the parent of a child thinking about joining a travel team? 

On one hand, it’s important to be aware of how the systems we participate in affect our society. But on a much more specific level, you should know that your child will be entering a largely homogenous environment.

On top of that, kids from lower-income families can often feel out of place in travel ball — especially if they don’t come to the ballpark with the latest, top-quality gear like their teammates. This social dynamic can have a powerful impact on your child’s experience. 

Additionally, travel baseball means that both your family and your child will be spending less time within your own community.

There’s been a lot written in recent years about how travel baseball may be contributing to the erosion of communities , because it pulls families out of local baseball programs that once served as important civic institutions.

This is evidenced by the sharply declining participation in Little League. In the organization’s Southeast Region (a hotbed for a travel baseball), the number of Little League players has plunged by nearly 50% since 2007 . 

So we’ve come to the biggest question: Is travel ball worth it?

If you want to improve your skills and have the best chance to play in college or the pros, travel baseball is the way to go. But remember: there is a range of cost and time commitment within travel baseball. Your son or daughter doesn’t necessarily have to opt for the most expensive travel team in order to be sufficiently challenged (and later on, to get noticed by college coaches). 

Your goal in evaluating teams should be to find the right balance of: 

• Financial commitment 
• Time commitment
• Intangible sacrifices (school events, community involvement, etc.) 
• Baseball goals

After reading this article, you should have a very solid understanding of what Little League and travel baseball have in common, their differences, and what you should be looking for in a club. 

Remember, this is your child’s choice to. Help them see the pros and cons of each option. And although we stated it earlier, we cannot stress this enough: you cannot dictate your son or daughter’s commitment to the game of baseball. It’s up to them. So, support them in whatever capacity they want to participate. If you do, they’ll never regret or forget the amazing experiences, friends, and lessons learned playing this great game.

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Pros and Cons of Travel Baseball: Is It Worth the Cost for Young Athletes?

Travel baseball can seem like a grand slam for your young athlete, offering a chance to play against top-notch competition and hone their skills. But before you pack up the gear and hit the road, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential downsides.

On the plus side, travel teams often provide advanced coaching and exposure to scouts, which could be a game-changer for a budding baseball career. However, the time commitment and costs involved are no small peanuts, and they could have a significant impact on family life and finances.

So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of travel baseball to help you decide if it’s a home run or a strikeout for your family.

Pros of Travel Baseball

When you join a travel baseball team, you’re signing up for Top-Notch Coaching . These teams often boast experienced coaches who’ve played at high levels themselves – just like me back in my heyday. They bring a depth of knowledge that can only be gained through years on the diamond, and they’re passionate about sharing it with the next generation.

Exposure to Scouts should not be ignored either. If you’ve got your eye on a baseball scholarship or dream of going pro, travel baseball puts you on the map. Showcasing your talent in front of college and professional scouts at tournaments is an opportunity local leagues often can’t provide.

Here’s something to remember: Skill Development . Travel baseball isn’t just about winning; it’s about pushing your limits. The level of competition is a cut above, which means you’ll need to step up your game. It’s intense, but it’s also where growth happens. You’ll learn to adapt, strategize, and refine your skills in ways you hadn’t imagined.

Let’s talk about the Camaraderie . Those long drives to tournaments and shared experiences on the road forge bonds that often last a lifetime. You’re in it together, through thrilling wins and heartbreaking losses, and these friendships are part of what makes travel baseball deeply rewarding.

And finally, don’t overlook the Life Lessons learned. The discipline, time management, and teamwork drilled into you are skills that extend far beyond the batter’s box. They’re virtues that will stand you in good stead in all areas of life.

As I watch you and your teammates grow, I see more than just the game – I see the shaping of future leaders, on and off the field.

Cons of Travel Baseball

Though travel baseball can seem like a golden ticket to your young athlete’s future, it’s not without its drawbacks. As you consider whether this path is right for your child, be aware of a few potential pitfalls.

Financial Commitment looms large in travel baseball. Let’s face it; you’ll be digging deep into your pockets to cover costs. Expenses range from tournament fees and travel costs to equipment and uniforms. For many families, these costs can add up quickly, potentially limiting participation to those who have the necessary funds.

Beyond the financial strain, there’s also the Time Commitment . Travel baseball isn’t a hobby; it’s more of a lifestyle. Weekends are spent at tournaments, and weekdays are filled with practice. This grueling schedule can lead to:

• Missing out on school events
• Sacrificing personal and family time
• Potential burnout for young athletes

Consider the Risk of Injury . With intense training and competitive play comes a heightened chance of injury. Overuse injuries, in particular, are a common concern in youth sports. Young athletes specializing too early in one sport might face:

• Higher risks of repetitive stress injuries
• Long-term wear and tear on developing bodies

Lastly, there’s the Pressure to Perform . Travel baseball is competitive by nature. Athletes are constantly being evaluated, and there’s a relentless push to be at the top of their game. This sort of environment can sometimes lead to:

• Excessive performance anxiety
• Diminished love for the game
• Unhealthy levels of competition among teammates

Navigating Family Dynamics

When you’re in deep with travel baseball, it’s not just your young athlete who’s affected. The family dynamic can become strained as resources are funneled into fostering one child’s talent. Siblings might feel overshadowed or neglected due to the disproportionate allocation of time and funds, which can evoke feelings of resentment and familial discord. Balancing the needs and interests of all family members becomes a formidable task.

Advanced Coaching and Exposure to Scouts

When you’re involved in travel baseball, you’re signing up for high-caliber coaching . This level of guidance is pivotal for players who are serious about their game. Coaches in travel baseball often have extensive experience, either as former players at the collegiate or professional levels or as long-time mentors who’ve honed their ability to develop young talent. They provide personalized feedback that can catapult your skills to new heights.

• In-depth knowledge of the game
• Customized training plans
• Focus on player-specific strategies and improvements

These mentors help you refine the intricacies of your game, whether it’s perfecting your swing, mastering the art of pitching, or enhancing your defensive tactics. The individual attention you receive can be a game-changer, as coaches track your progress meticulously, providing constant tweaks and adjustments to your technique.

Amidst the thrills of competition, another significant advantage is the direct exposure to scouts . Travel baseball tournaments are often attended by scouts looking for the next wave of talent for collegiate or professional teams. These events become prime opportunities for you to showcase your abilities against some of the best players around, making it easier for scouts to notice your prowess on the field.

It’s not just about playing well; it’s about playing well when it matters, under the scrutinizing gaze of those who can open doors to future opportunities. You get to learn the critical skill of performing under pressure, an invaluable trait at any level of the sport. Networking with these influential figures might start early, but the connections you make and the impressions you leave can last a lifetime.

Time Commitment

Committing to a travel baseball team is no small feat, and it’s essential to weigh the time investment before making the leap. Unlike recreational leagues, travel baseball demands significant dedication from both you and your young athlete.

For starters, you’re looking at multiple practices per week, often year-round. It’s not just about showing up on game day; it’s the hours of drills and conditioning that build the skills necessary to compete at a higher level. The calendar fills up quickly with tournaments, many of which span entire weekends and sometimes require travel that’s further away than you might be used to.

Imagine this scenario: Your weekend begins on a Friday afternoon as you jet off to a neighboring state, and you don’t return until late Sunday—or even Monday if the tournament’s a big one. This becomes your routine, not the exception. It’s taxing, but for many, it’s part of the allure, part of what it takes to play the game at a competitive level.

Consider the impact on your family life. Vacations, family events, and even downtime at home will often need to be planned around the baseball schedule. Your athlete’s commitment can also affect their social life and academic responsibilities. Balancing schoolwork with a rigorous baseball schedule requires discipline and time-management skills that would make a CEO proud.

The flip side is the opportunity for your child to learn vital life lessons about prioritizing, setting goals, and making sacrifices. They’ll garner a sense of responsibility that comes with balancing sports and other commitments. And let’s not forget the shared experiences with teammates, which often forge lifelong friendships and memories.

But it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. The hours spent on the field, in the car, and at various sports facilities mean less time for other pursuits. It’s crucial to have a frank discussion with your athlete about what they’re willing to commit to and to check in regularly to ensure they’re still enjoying the game. After all, the passion for baseball—whether playing or watching—is what it’s all about, isn’t it?

Financial Considerations

As a seasoned baseball coach, you might already know that travel baseball can be a significant financial investment. From league fees to travel costs, the expenses add up quickly. Let’s break it down so you’re aware of what’s in store.

First up, league fees. These can vary widely depending on the organization and the level of play. They typically cover uniform costs, equipment, coaching stipends, field rentals, and tournament entry fees. It’s important to ask the team’s organization for a detailed cost breakdown to avoid surprises down the line.

Travel costs are another major expense. You’re looking at:

• Hotel stays
• Gas or airfare
• Meals on the road

These can fluctuate based on location and length of the season, but it’s safe to expect a sizable sum allocated for these necessities.

Let’s talk equipment. Even with league fees covering some gear, you’ll find that the need for personal equipment—like high-quality bats, gloves, and cleats—can’t be overlooked. Plus, many players also opt for private lessons or attend specialized clinics to refine their skills, adding to the financial load.

Here’s an example of the potential costs involved for one travel baseball season:

It’s vital to keep in mind that scholarships or fundraising opportunities may be available to offset some of these costs. Teams often organize raffles, sponsorships, and other fundraising activities that can help families manage expenses.

What it boils down to is this—while the price tag for travel baseball can be steep, it’s a commitment that brings unparalleled experiences. Just remember to plan ahead and be transparent with your family about the financial implications so you can make an informed decision together.

Weighing the advantages against the financial commitment travel baseball demands is crucial. You’ll get unparalleled coaching and the chance to catch a scout’s eye while bonding with teammates and learning valuable life skills. But it’s essential to have open conversations about the costs and ensure your family’s on board. Remember, the decision to dive into travel baseball should be a home run for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of travel baseball.

Travel baseball offers benefits such as access to top-notch coaching, increased exposure to scouts for college or professional opportunities, the chance to develop skills at a competitive level, building camaraderie with teammates, and learning valuable life lessons through the sport.

How does travel baseball differ from regular league play?

Travel baseball often involves a higher level of competition compared to local leagues, with stricter commitments to practice and travel, and sometimes showcases that allow players to perform in front of scouts and college recruiters.

What financial considerations are involved in travel baseball?

Participants in travel baseball need to plan for league fees, travel costs, equipment, and potentially private lessons. These expenses can add up, so it’s important to be clear about the financial commitment before joining a travel baseball team.

Is travel baseball suitable for every young athlete?

No, travel baseball is not for every young athlete. It requires a significant time and financial investment from both the athlete and their family. It’s best suited for those serious about pursuing higher levels of competition and potentially aiming for collegiate or professional play.

How can families prepare for the cost of travel baseball?

Families can prepare for the costs by budgeting for the expenses, considering the long-term commitment required, and having open discussions about what is financially feasible for the family to ensure that the experience is positive and manageable.

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About the author.

Alex Chester

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Travel Baseball Pros And Cons

• May 3, 2023

For children, travel baseball is the key to the world of high-level college play . If you want your kid to excel in this sport or if your child shows serious interest in it, youth travel baseball is worth a shot.

With that said, what is travel baseball exactly, and how does it differ from other forms of youth baseball? Read on to find out!

What Is Travel Baseball?

Travel baseball is a form of youth baseball that is played away from a team’s immediate area . Travel teams may travel to another city or state to participate in baseball travel tournaments.

Generally, travel baseball is viewed as an intermediary step between Little League baseball and high school or college-level baseball . Travel baseball is usually much more competitive than recreational baseball leagues like Little League. Besides that, youth travel baseball allows for more exposure for a young baseball player, potentially providing a big boost to a child’s baseball career.

Travel baseball vs. Little League

The Little League embodies traditional youth baseball where children have fun rather than become engulfed in the tough training world of more “serious” youth baseball environments (like travel baseball).

Kids may start playing in the Little League from as young as age 4 . LL games are very rarely held outside a local area , and in this league, children will be learning the basics of hitting, pitching, and other essential baseball concepts.

Little League was traditionally an intermediary stage between recreational youth play and middle to high school baseball . Back in the day, sticking to the Little League and other recreational programs was enough to prepare young players for high school- and then college-grade baseball.

These days, this is no longer the case . Middle school programs are now either subpar or non-existent. Little League is a viable alternative to recreational baseball, but when it comes to building the basis for elite-level competition, it pales in comparison with travel baseball.

With all that in mind, let’s conclude this section with these two points:

• For professional-level development, travel baseball would be a logical next step for children aged 11 to 12 .
• Recreational leagues like Little League or local adult baseball leagues are a great choice for non-competitive baseball players who want to have fun and don’t want to make their life revolve around baseball.

The Benefits Of Travel Baseball For Aspiring Players

My overview of travel baseball and its benefits was kind of vague so far. Now, let’s look at the specific benefits of playing at travel teams compared to rec baseball.

More exposure

I’d say that exposure is the biggest advantage of travel baseball . Getting yourself in front of the right people is important for a child’s long-term success in this sport – travel baseball allows you to leverage this.

At the very least, travel baseball gives children the opportunity to show their worth to high-level college baseball coaches who may have substantial influence in the sport . College scouts also often attend travel baseball meetings. In case your child has what it takes to succeed in baseball, a scout will identify their talent and perhaps give your kid a chance to establish themselves at a higher level.

More competition and thus motivation

Players in travel baseball are better-versed in baseball and are more competitive than rec players . This is actually a good thing – young players will have someone to look up to and will be more motivated to improve .

Children will also learn to face and hopefully overcome challenges that they wouldn’t encounter in recreational baseball. Fierce competition from better players forces weaker athletes to adapt – this is arguably the best aspect of travel baseball, though I still think that exposure is its  #1 benefit.

Better coaching

Travel baseball team coaches are typically more competent than their colleagues at recreational leagues . Although travel baseball coaches will put more strain on a young player than a rec coach, the results will accordingly be considerably better.

Not only that, but travel baseball teams often employ former professional coaches who may have strong networks in basebal l. Such coaches not only know how to make a skillful player but also may be able to connect athletes with other teams.

More eye-opening experiences

And finally, travel baseball is laden with eye-opening experiences . 

People – and even more so kids – often don’t realize that there is an unexplored world beyond the limited horizon they have become so accustomed to . Throughout their travel baseball engagement, children will be able to meet people with different backgrounds, characters, and views of sport and life in general. 

Some encounters with other players will help your kid appreciate sportsmanship, while others will teach them how to ignore fan hate and how to stand up for themselves.

The immense load of the sport itself will also help children get used to investing effort to get results and make them understand that life has its ups and downs .

The Disadvantages Of Travel Baseball

Travel baseball is far from perfect – it has a few disadvantages that parents ought to know about:

• It’s really expensive. Traveling costs can rack up to $5,000 or even $10,000 a year, though in most cases, families seem to spend around $2,500.
• It’s stressful for parents. Parents will have to plan ahead to accommodate their children’s play schedule. Frequent travel can put a toll on any parent, not to mention the financial dent it makes in parents’ wallets.
• Mental and physical strain on children. Tougher and more frequent workouts will undoubtedly produce better players, but they also strain children considerably – both mentally and physically.
• Not everybody will make it in travel baseball. Travel baseball is highly competitive, and usually, only the best players find a place in a travel baseball team. Not everybody will thus make it in this sport.

With commitment, skill, and some luck, travel baseball can be a gateway into professional sport. However, before you decide to have your child join a travel baseball team, you must consider its advantages and disadvantages – both for you and your kid.

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What To Consider When Looking For A Travel Baseball Team

Now, I’ll outline a few things that you should be looking for in a travel baseball team – in case you are thinking about it as a future for your child.

Costs are going to be the #1 consideration for most parents.

I can’t tell exactly how much you’ll have to spend on entry fees, travel, and equipment – but it will most likely be under $2,500 per year. But depending on certain factors (more about these below), your costs may climb higher – in 2011, CBS News reported on parents who paid $4,000 for their kids’ participation in travel baseball .

You won’t find accurate cost estimates easily – you’ll have to dig deep for that. But one thing is certain – bigger teams with higher-quality coaches are going to cost you more.

To hopefully set you in the right direction, here are some major factors that will affect how hard travel baseball will hit your pocket.

• Your location. Teams based in rural areas will have to travel often and far. In contrast, travel baseball teams in important baseball hubs – like California – won’t have to drive or fly to another city or state too often.
• Whether the team will provide equipment. Bigger and more successful teams may have sponsorships with baseball gear brands. In these teams, players get their equipment for free or at a significantly reduced cost.
• Access to baseball facilities. Some teams have to rent baseball facilities to train. Needless to say, rent is going to be covered from your own pocket – whether in part or entirely. With teams that have their own facilities or train only at public fields, this will not be a concern.
• Coach compensation. Some teams pay small compensation to their coaches or cover their travel costs. Again, a team with such a model will transfer the responsibility for covering compensation to you. This will increase annual fees, but paid coaches are also likely to do their job better.

Travel tournaments in which the team participates. Teams participating in higher-level tournaments will have to pay higher entry fees. More competitive and “serious” teams are therefore going to cost you more.

What about coaches ? Some people may, unfortunately, overlook this crucial aspect.

Here are a few questions that you need to find an answer to regarding coaches:

• Does the coach encourage their players?
• Does the coach give tips and advice tailored to the player’s personal strengths and weaknesses?
• How does the coach handle mistakes? Do they scream at players?
• Does the coach treat all players equally? Or maybe they have favorites in the team?

Don’t become captivated by clean facilities and promises of success in the sport – you may overlook jerk coaches if you do.

3. Location

Your location will matter if your child wants to compete at the highest level in the future.

The thing is that major baseball states like California, Florida, Georgia, or Louisiana have plenty of elite travel baseball teams to choose from . You won’t have to travel far from home to find a worthy team for your kid.

On the other hand, in areas where baseball isn’t that popular, you may have few to no options . Even if there is a baseball team in such a place, it probably isn’t a super-competitive team with excellent baseball coaches.

Suppose your kid is unlucky enough to both want to play competitively and live in a baseball-less area. In that case, you’ll have to travel to another city or perhaps even state to find the opportunities you or your child desire . Not only is travel time-consuming, but it is also costly. You will have to make compromises – either play in a low-grade team or spend time and money to travel to another area.

4. The reputation of the team

The reputation of the team matters as well – for the athletic future of your child. If your kid plays in a team known for unfair plays, they may have trouble getting into a better team down the line.

Beating bad sports habits out of a baseball player can be challenging, and unless coaches are dealing with remarkable talent, they’ll prefer to work with someone who has the right foundation for their team’s goals and values.

5. Competitiveness and skill level

Is your kid looking just to have fun? In that case, more relaxed, less competitive Baseball travel teams would be ideal. Children who don’t intend to reach exceptional heights in baseball will feel out of place in a super-competitive team where everybody works at their limit.

In contrast, if your kid is ready to compete seriously, a more “upper-class” team with skilled players and a demanding coach will immensely motivate them.

In the end, youth travel baseball provides entry to competitive high school and college baseball. Consequently, it gives children a chance to try themselves in competitive play.

Travel baseball is a costly endeavor, and it requires plenty of planning and compromises on your part. Weigh the pros and cons and try to determine what would be the right choice for your child – more light-hearted, recreational leagues, or an astronomically competitive travel team.

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The $70 billion travel sports industry (rich whites and Asians getting their kids into college)

Playing to Win , a short Michael Lewis book that is free to listen to for Audible subscribers, is a fascinating look into a strange corner of the U.S. economy: the $70 billion/year travel sports industry.

The primary motivation for kids’ travel sports is the parental desire for their children to get into elite colleges, which may reserve 25-33 percent of their spots for recruited athletes. (I.e., white privilege permeates America, but it is available only to whites with degrees from elite universities). The statistics that we see for selective university admissions lump together athletes and non-athletes. The chance of a white or Asian child getting into without an athletic coach’s recommendation is actually worse than the statistics suggest.

What does it cost? Lewis describes the typical athlete starting at age 11 or 12 and the parents spend $20,000 to $30,000 per year (plus a huge amount of time driving, flying, and spectating). In other words, at least $150,000 of which a small percentage might be recouped via an athletic scholarship. These costs mean that only one sport remains open to the half of Americans whose families are below the median income: football. This is because football is the only sport in which the good teams remain associated with public high schools. Travel sports is how upper-middle-class and rich whites/Asians compensate in a world where college admissions starts with a sort-by-skin-color and victimhood status.

Can individuals tap into this river of cash? Oh yes! The best is volleyball. Lewis describes a volleyball coach who organized a weekend tournament and made $1 million renting a convention center and filling it with nets. Sports for “girls” (however that term might be defined) are better than sports for athletes who identify as “boys” because the parents of the “girls” are less likely to allow the “girls” to travel unsupervised. At least one parent comes along with the athlete and books an additional hotel room then buys a ticket to the event. From the leagueapps.com web site, a presumably typical document requiring participants to book their hotels through the event organizer :

(LeagueApps says that they have processed more than $1 billion in payments.)

Lewis’s own daughter gets into the liberal arts college of her choice after a softball coach watches her play. What is a stressful admissions process for her classmates is a brief conversation with the coach in the spring of her junior year of high school.

Recommended.

18 thoughts on “ The $70 billion travel sports industry (rich whites and Asians getting their kids into college) ”

I was thinking about writing on this subject, from first-hand experience in an uber-competitive suburban school district, where I learned from the high school counselor that about 2/3 of the parents hired a college advisor (like Rick Singer, but in theory not at that criminal level). So I was hearing parents complain about how expensive it was to spend a weekend in/near Orlando at some sports complex (and requisite hotel, airfare, etc.) so their children’s travel soccer team could compete. Then the Orlando sportsplex added basketball, so even more parents were making treks there. This was in addition to weekend early am drives to far flung destinations all over the Mid-Atlantic from their Bethesda, Maryland, home base. It turned out unless your kid is Division I caliber, which means in the top echelon of athletes, it doesn’t make a huge difference in admissions. Cuz if your kid is a Division II or III swimmer, it’s of no importance even to the Division II & III schools, as only the DI schools seem to make money off their sports programs. One of my kids was a DIII swimmer (200 yd and 500 yd freestyle, and 200 yd backstroke), but he didn’t start year-round competitive swimming until his junior year of high school. Unclear that he was DI material if he had begun the winter swimming at age 7 which became the norm around that time, about $4000/year in fees (this was 2007). Kid got into multiple Division I schools (where he was ineligible to swim except at club level), and was rejected by several Division III schools (granted, Caltech following waitlist status, then rejection a few weeks later once Caltech figured out yield among admitees, and MIT following deferral Dec 15).

If the parents are genetically highly athletic, perhaps it’s more likely to yield the hoped-for results, in my view.

A highly athletic family in my estimation with four girls I know: oldest recruited for sailing and rowing at Dartmouth College (ended up doing ski patrol and ski team as rowing was 4 am-ish, and Dartmouth no longer forced recruited athletes to play or to leave school as in the past), middle girls won various tennis tournaments and were recruited for that by Division I schools, but not admitted, and ended up at Division III schools (very happily at Middlebury and William & Mary); , the youngest an incredible basketball player (the Orlando trips, the Nashville trip which resulted in an injury to her father on a hotel door — SO not worth it) was admitted to William & Mary, Division III basketball, but deferred a year as she didn’t want to do freshman year cuz COVID fall term 2020. So she’ll begin fall 2021, God willing.

Meantime, many studies show that kids who do sports learn competitve and teamwork skills which are critical to future success, in terms of perserverance and other factors. Many athletes go into financial and marketing fields, and excel supposedly in large part due to what they learned on the field in college.

I do think the economic rate of return on these athletic endeavors is probably very low, as few of these kids end up attending a college based on their athletic prowess. But the few who do (cue the Dartmouth sailing & rowing recruit) tell their neighbors it made a huge difference???

> kids who do sports learn competitve … skills > Many athletes go into financial and marketing fields So kids who spent their entire conscious lives focused on a zero-sum competitive environment differentially thrive in extremely competitive zero-sum jobs. Hmmm.

Perhaps this is a win for the parents but these jobs are among those known for creating negative societal value and we should all be critical of the result.

I wasn’t addressing the normative aspects. Supposedly one economist obtained data that top performing sales people and financiers tend to have been college or at least serious high school athletes. The Nashville trip to a basketball tournament was definitely not a highlight for the parents with the four daughters – as the father’s injury was similar to what Jimmy Fallon managed to do to his finger in his Hamptons kitchen (while wrangling two young children).

“Many athletes go into financial and marketing fields”

Similarly, many cheerleaders go into pharmaceutical sales.

> Meantime, many studies show that kids who do sports learn competitve and teamwork skills which are critical to future success, in terms of perserverance and other factors. Many athletes go into financial and marketing fields, and excel supposedly in large part due to what they learned on the field in college.

I agree with AnonZ. This is total bullshit. The reason why many athletes go into financial and marketing fields is that they are well-paid and most people are jock sniffers so they want to be around good athletes. Also, college athletes are in tremendous shape so it selects against fat people, which is the last acceptable prejudice.

If finance wasn’t well paid, athletes wouldn’t bother going into the field. Unlike physical education and recreation studies, there is no inherent connection.

@Deplorable Prole: “Similarly, many cheerleaders go into pharmaceutical sales.”

True. Met some of them in person in the outpatient psychiatry department of a big urban hospital. They’d show up with a big box of donuts, a few boxes of samples, and some incredible fashion to warm up the docs. Always a fun day when the pharma cheerleaders were around with their pom-poms.

@ScarletNumber: But, but: wasn’t childhood and adult obesity one of Michelle Obama’s most important causes? Was she fat-shaming people or just trying to help prevent them from dying early of diabetes (and now, COVID)?

https://letsmove.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/

>Also, college athletes are in tremendous shape so it selects against fat people, which is the last acceptable prejudice.

Yeah, but if they’re all dying of diabetes, isn’t it appropriate to select against them?

Here’s Michelle Obama and Ellen Degeneres on Ellentube back in 2014 talking about the “International Space Shuttle” and providing societal value with the Gimme Five! challenge. I give them both an A for effort. There ain’t no fat Orange Men there! Let’s Move!

https://www.ellentube.com/video/ellen-and-michelle-obama-break-it-down.html

The reason why elite kids shun football is of course concussion-induced chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Their parents don’t want them to become vegetables at 35.

@Fazal Majid:

I have a close friend who is a physician in New Jersey now (in fact, he’s affiliated with the facility where Chris Christie was treated for COVID) and he was on the high school football team where we both spent some of our youth together. He was on the team for two seasons, and took some hits, but he wasn’t so worried about the impacts from the play on the field. He was more terrified of the hazing. This football team was fearsome and run by a guy who encouraged the hazing, which was more brutal than anything they did while they were playing. I’m not saying parents shouldn’t be concerned about concussions in high school football, but he told me point blank: “I love playing football, I love the team, but I can’t stand the football camp.” He was a defensive linebacker on the team, and a very good physician now. So I think (American) football can survive but they have to make some adjustments. The stuff that he told me went on at football camp is unrepeatable here, and it had no place in sports.

@Fazal Majid: I told him: “Jesus. We don’t do stuff like that on the rifle team. And we have real guns!”

God invented equestrian sports so super-rich kids with no athleticism could get athletic scholarships too.

Neither Jennifer Gates (Stanford) nor Jessica Springsteen (Duke) needed their equestrian prowess to get into college. But for other applicants, sure.

These are traditions from a time when finance and marketing were the top. Now you can be a nerd competing in other nerdy sports and still do well I think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP526LLlnGQ&ab_channel=HarvardUniversity

https://data.typeracer.com/pit/profile?user=minilek&universe=championship

Breakdancing is now an Olympic sport!! So now we will see more rich white kids trying to get a breakdancing scholarship.

https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/30470282/breakdancing-gets-olympic-status-debut-paris-games-2024

Do Asian kids breakdance? You bet your white butt they do. Meet Issei Hori.

The Chinese Communist Party evidently wants to build an army of people who are so physically fit they can’t even find Olympic athletes who meet their standards. Meanwhile us Yankees are sitting there worrying whether we hurt someone’s feelings because they eat four Big Macs a day. Good luck in ten years when they take our cities by force, fat guy.

https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3104980/tokyo-2020-physical-tests-will-not-decide-chinas-olympic-athletes

I have a brother that took his son across the country to play hockey. My nephew outgrew the local competition in SoCal and then played a season in Colorado (my sister-in-law went too, they rented an apartment). After that my brother bought a house in Minnesota where my nephew joined one of the best teams in the state. My brother and sister-in-law traded off on spending time with their son while he was in school (2 years) It didn’t work out so well. The nephew didn’t make the varsity his senior year and played on some non-affiliated travelling team. He’s pretty good, just not Minnesota good for hockey. He graduated from HS last spring (Covid grads were screwed pretty good). The house has been sold. He was to play Junior hockey in the Boston area this year, but you can imagine how messed up that is with the ‘Rona.

My brother has been very successful. I believe he attributes a good deal of his success to his playing hockey back in the day. (My brother and I still play a little bit. He’s way way better than me.) I believe he is trying to get that to rub off on his son.

My sister has a daughter that plays hockey. She is a sophomore in HS. She would be playing her 3rd season of varsity hockey this year but for the Covid nonsense. I think she has a good chance at a college scholarship. But the environment is very competitive. My sister and family travel all over to for the hockey. The BIL was a college hockey player.

Friends here in the Dallas area did the volleyball thing with their 2 daughters. Jackpot! Both got scholarships. The older one parleyed the 5th year of eligibility into a master’s degree. The second one, BIG JACKPOT, is at Princeton. They live in the ‘burbs and spent thousands and thousands on volleyball travel.

We stayed in the city and spent thousands and thousand on private school tuition. It paid off for us in huge discounts (scholarships) on college tuition. We didn’t have to travel to anything other than what we wanted. I think we had better vacations.

The sports thing is an encompassing culture. I know my sister and brother-in-law enjoy the whole scene. There is always a bar next to the rink and they have “safety” meetings there during the tournament. My friends in volleyball had the same sort of social life on their tournament trips. Neither couple has any regrets about the money, but then they had fun and success at what it’s all about. It will be interesting to talk with my brother about the whole thing in a few years. He hasn’t developed any perspective yet.

Back in my misspent youth, I devoted three years as a member of my high school’s varsity rifle team. At the time, we were one of approximately 15 high schools in New Jersey that fielded a team, and I was a member from my sophomore to senior years, and Captain of the team the last year. We were undefeated — never lost a match among our peers. Our coach was a fantastic man who also taught graphic arts, and held several international long-distance shooting records. The team was comprised of more than 20 kids each year; we shot competition .22 bolt-action rifles made by Winchester and, later, Anschütz. In my Junior year, I was NJ State Champion in three-position shooting among our competitors. Our team were also National Postal Match champions that year. Best in the USA.

It was an absolutely fantastic experience on every level. Safety and responsibility came first, and everybody understood the seriousness not just talking about safety but practicing it collectively, in a mutually-supportive way. Each year, we had at least 5 or 6 women on the team, and they were all treated as equals with the men, and indeed were kind of our “secret weapon” – especially against teams that didn’t encourage women to participate.

There aren’t very many college or University teams that offer scholarships to outstanding shooters, but there are a few, from what I remember. The idea of getting one wasn’t ever part of my rationale for being on the team. It was the people! We had a true cross-section of the student body – from kids who were going to be auto mechanics to lawyers, doctors, even a politician! Many of us are still very good friends to this day.

Several times a week, we would load our guns and gear onto a bright yellow school bus, right out in front of the high school, which was patrolled by the police department in our town. Everyone knew us, and what we were doing. We were NJ State Champions (IIRC) 7 years in row!

After Columbine, a lot of high schools pulled the plug on their shooting teams and that was a real shame, in my mind. Our team was less dangerous in terms of injuries and other liabilities than the Cross-Country team. I think the worst injury we had during my entire experience was a sprained ankle that happened when one of our guys came out of kneeling position with a leg that had “fallen asleep” and twisted his ankle in the resulting stumble. Shooting competitively at that level was a thrill and a real challenge, and the experience of being on that team, particularly with all the friends I made, was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

More high schools should encourage it. During the tryouts every year, we’d get people who showed up because they were curious about guns but had never touched one, fired one, or taken responsibility for handling one safely. It was important not just to the team but also the guidance staff at the high school to know who was coming to the rifle team tryouts, particularly if they seemed to have some ulterior motive for wanting to shoot, and indeed we had a handful of people who didn’t make the team but needed some extra support in their lives. I think a lot of high schools handle that curiosity the wrong way because they have no such alternatives for people who are curious about firearms.

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Families weigh pros, cons of travel sports’ growing role, share this article.

New Albany pitcher Josh Casleman, 11, is greeted at home plate by his teammates  (Photo: Doug McSchooler/The Indianapolis Star)

The youth sports world has changed dramatically since I grew up in the 1980s and ’90s. All the way through my senior year of high school, I played football, basketball and baseball. Once basketball season was over, you’d put your stuff away and — for the most part, with the exception of some summer leagues and camps and pick-up games — not worry about it again until the next season.

If you’re from that generation, or before, you can probably relate. Which makes it so fascinating to me now to see the huge boom in youth sports, from a parent’s perspective. Last week, I read IndyStar correspondent Holly Johnson’s article, “ Why this Hamilton County family says no to travel sports ” with interest.

I posted Holly’s article on Twitter and asked for feedback from readers. Many agreed with her points that “travel” sports are too much of a financial and time-consumption burden. A sampling:

“If a kid is good enough for a scholarship, they will get it through (high school) sports,” wrote Jon Green. “Invest AAU $ into a 529 plan instead.”

“Agree 100 percent travel ball leads to specialization and burnout,” wrote Dave Deitch.

“Outstanding article,” wrote Brian Rea. “Way too many kids losing their childhood playing travel sports.”

“We say amen!” wrote Alicia Yilmaz. “Definitely a personal decision family to family but think there will be a lot of kids stressed/burnt out by teenage years.”

“Travel baseball has hurt basic fundamentals,” wrote JSandor16. “It’s a money racket. Ban it until age 14. Play 100 games practice 8 (times).”

“My kids are 10 & 6,” Andrew Smith wrote. “They should be having fun & learning fundamentals. We don’t do travel sports.”

There were those on the other side, as well. Dan King of Greenwood has been a board member for his 12-year-old son’s recreational baseball league for several years. This is his son’s first year playing for a travel program out of Franklin.

King found Holly’s premise “too simplistic.” His son isn’t playing travel baseball to chase a scholarship, he said.

“Then why does our son play travel baseball?” King wrote. “While he did things like practice on his own, he was not learning how to be coached or pushed to get more out of himself by anyone outside of himself or parents because he was in most cases the least of the volunteer coaches’ worries. In just a few months he’s been in this new environment he’s really learning how to take criticism and use it to make himself better and not just coast on what comes naturally to him.”

I think it’s important to distinguish what exactly “travel” sports are. My sons, fourth and second grade, play what is probably considered a level between recreation basketball and baseball and full-fledged travel. We’ve probably spent the night for a tournament twice and in both instances were more as sort of a “mini-vacation” than a necessity.

“Travel sports aren’t for everyone and either is staying home for the weekend,” wrote Chris Collier. “Better question is how many HS athletes didn’t play travel?”

Westfield has spent millions of dollars in making Grand Park a youth sports destination. (Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/The Star)

I talked to Nick Reich, a former high school basketball coach, for our IndyStar SportsDay podcast . His sons, 11 and 10, are in competitive basketball, soccer and baseball. The time spent in the car, or coaching his kids, isn’t seen as “time lost” to travel sports. Those memories can be as precious as a carefree Saturday spent at home.

“If you’re driving to a game, you might get 30 or 35 minutes with them,” he said. “That is quality time. If we’re home, somebody might be in the basement or in their bedroom reading a book or whatever. That time in the car can be quality time between fathers and sons.”

There is no right or wrong here, which is an important point. There are unlimited options out there for travel sports and personal trainers, etc. It doesn’t mean you have to do all of it, or any of it.

Is there a happy medium somewhere?

“I believe it is a fine line,” Jason Roth wrote. “Parents that do it for their kids, great. Those that do it for themselves is the issue.”

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Talk about pitfalls of travel ball: cardinals legend yadier molina is now in cubs gear, 2025 national recruiting rankings: top 25 football teams, 25 of the greatest high school basketball players of all time, the best high schools for athletes according to one methodology, these are the top 20, longest high school football winning streak in each state, above the rim and beyond the court: olivier rioux, the world's tallest teen, is more than just a basketball player, who is zhang ziyu, the 7-foot-3, 17-year-old girl chinese basketball star.

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An annual solo trip reminds me of who I am outside being a mom. Sometimes, I feel guilty for spending the time and money, but it's worth it.

I love traveling and enjoy taking solo trips to reconnect with who I am outside being a mom.

Every year, I take a trip by myself and always come back to my family feeling refreshed.

Though I sometimes feel guilty for spending the time and money, it's so worth it.

I grew up moving often, rarely attending the same school for a full year, and learning to find my way around new places every few months. For better or worse, this shaped how I approached life as an adult, making me more open to new places, people, and experiences throughout my life.

One result of this openness is a love of travel — I've visited 40 of the 50 United States and 25 countries (and counting). Traveling is a core part of who I am, and while I love the ability to travel with my family, it's also a priority for me to take a trip once a year by myself or with friends to stay connected to the person I was before having kids.

I started traveling alone early in life

In my early 20s, I was offered a severance package when my company merged with another and laid off much of the staff , including me. With no strong ties to the city I lived in at the time and no real love for the work, I decided to take the money, buy a one-way ticket to Europe, and see how long I could make it last.

I stayed in Europe for six months, traveling by train anywhere I wanted to go on a whim. I drank the best whiskey sour of my life in a back-alley bar in Krakow, learned about the drum-and-bass scene in Berlin from a Parisian hostel mate, watched a fútbol match in San Sebastian with locals, and learned to snowboard from an Australian trio of plumbers in Chamonix.

The trip changed my view of traveling alone. No longer was it scary or unattainable. Instead, it was full of magical surprises and kind people — strangers who became fast friends. It was joyful and enthralling, and I loved it.

Learning to travel as a parent and partner

About a decade later, after my love of solo travel was well-established, I met and married my husband, and then I became a parent. One of the things my now-husband quickly learned about me was that I wanted to continue traveling alone occasionally, and he has always supported me in this. So, I still take an annual solo trip these days.

While it's hard to leave my family behind, it's also hard to say no to things that feed my soul. Like many parts of parenting, traveling solo is a push-pull in two directions for me. I want to explore the world, and I also want to soak up every moment I can with my family.

So, I have some rules about when and how I travel. I never take trips when I know or suspect something big might happen, like an important school event or one of my kids taking their first step soon. I usually plan trips that last three to four days, but never more than seven. (For now, anyway, as the kids get older, that might change.) And I'm always available for Facetime at some point during the day.

But I also always make time for the trip.

Solo trips refresh me and help me maintain my identity

At some point, I'll become an empty nester . When that time comes, I don't want to have forgotten who I am outside "mom," and my annual solo trip helps me remember who that is. They offer an opportunity to explore what I'm interested in and what it feels like to think about what I want to do with my "one wild and precious life."

From learning to build my first campfire in the Rocky Mountains to learning the history of the Alhambra in Spain, each trip I've been privileged to take has taught me something new about myself and the world. While I sometimes feel slightly guilty about taking time for myself and spending money on a solo trip — even if they aren't necessarily luxury destinations — at the end of each one, I'm grateful for the reminder of who I am as my own person. Not a wife, not a mother, not an employee. Just a person living in this amazing world with limited time to explore it on my own terms.

As a woman and a mother, I know it isn't always easy to make or take time for ourselves. But after two decades of traveling alone, I can promise you it's always worth it.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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The Olympics are more than fun and games. They’re a billion-dollar business with political overtones

FILE - The Olympic rings are set up at Trocadero plaza that overlooks the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Sept. 14, 2017. The Paris Olympics involve about 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. But the Olympics are more than just fun and games. They are a giant business that generates billions of dollars in income for the International Olympic Committee. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

FILE - The countdown clock reading 100 days before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony is seen April 17, 2024 in Paris. The Paris Olympics involve about 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. But the Olympics are more than just fun and games. They are a giant business that generates billions of dollars in income for the International Olympic Committee. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

FILE - In this photo taken with a lens with rain drops shows the Olympic rings on Trocadero plaza that overlooks the Eiffel Tower, after the vote in Lima, Peru, awarding the 2024 Games to the French capital, in Paris, France, on Sept. 13, 2017. The Paris Olympics involve about 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. But the Olympics are more than just fun and games. They are a giant business that generates billions of dollars in income for the International Olympic Committee. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)

FILE - Thomas Bach, IOC President speaks at the International Olympic Committee launch of the Olympic AI Agenda at Lee Valley VeloPark in London, April 19, 2024. The Paris Olympics involve about 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. But the Olympics are more than just fun and games. They are a giant business that generates billions of dollars in income for the International Olympic Committee. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

FILE - IOC President Thomas Bach speaks to the media at the International Olympic Committee launch of the Olympic AI Agenda at Lee Valley VeloPark in London, April 19, 2024. The Paris Olympics involve about 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. But the Olympics are more than just fun and games. They are a giant business that generates billions of dollars in income for the International Olympic Committee. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

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The Paris Olympics involve about 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. But the Olympics are more than just fun and games.

They are a giant business that generates billions of dollars in income for the International Olympic Committee. They’re also a proxy for geopolitical influence seen through the standings in the medal tables, the presence of world leaders at the opening ceremony and the national anthems serenading gold-medal winners.

Here’s a look at how the IOC and the Olympics operate.

It’s a business, not a charity

The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental body based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It generates 91% of its income from selling broadcast rights (61%) and sponsorships (30%). Income for the latest four-year cycle of Winter and Summer Games ending with the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 was $7.6 billion. The IOC says it returns 90% of its income back into sports, although athletes directly get only a small slice. There may be a move afoot to change that. The IOC opened a new headquarters in 2019 at a reported cost of about 190 million Swiss francs, or about $200 million. Host nations pick up the majority of the bills for staging the Olympics. The cost for the Tokyo Games was officially listed at $13 billion. More than half was covered by Japanese government entities. Olympic costs are difficult to track, but a Japanese government audit suggested the real costs may have been twice as much as listed.

Membership and perks

The IOC is composed of about 100 members. The membership selects its own colleagues and the longest serving is Princess Nora of Liechtenstein. At least a half-dozen other royals are IOC members. However, most of the power is vested in President Thomas Bach — a lawyer from Germany who also is a member — and his executive board. IOC members are technically volunteers, though all of Bach’s expenses are covered by the IOC. The IOC’s annual report says this amounted to $370,000 in 2022. This included an annual “indemnity” of 275,000 euros, or about $295,000. His tax liabilities of $163,000 in Switzerland also were paid. IOC members receive per diems of between $450-900 to attend meetings and get first-class travel and five-star lodging.

Unpaid volunteers

Unpaid volunteers help the IOC and local organizers run the Games. They typically receive uniforms, food when they work and some minor transport costs. Lodging is seldom included. Paris is looking for 45,000 volunteers. Tokyo initially went after 80,000. Typically, only the well off can volunteer. The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro struggled to find volunteers because many of the city’s poor could not work for free. Some showed up the first day, collected their uniforms and did not return. The volunteer system can be viewed as economic exploitation. If volunteers were paid a minimum wage of $10 per hour, the extra cost could be as much as $100 million. Some Paris volunteers have threatened not to show up to express their displeasure over Olympic spending and French pension reforms.

Sports and politics mix

Paris Olympics

• The Olympics are more than fun and games . They’re a billion-dollar business with political overtones.
• Breakdance will make it’s debut as an Olympic sport in Paris.. Here’s what else will be different at this year’s games.
• Follow all of AP’s coverage of the Summer Games .

The IOC says the Olympics transcend politics. But in reality, they are highly political. It’s noteworthy that the IOC has observer status at the United Nations, indicative of its self-perceived role in the world. Political scientist Jules Boykoff notes in his recent book “What Are The Olympics For” that athletes march in the opening ceremony by country. They could just as well, he notes, march grouped by sports. But that would downplay the nationalist element, a key to the Games’ popularity. Adolf Hitler used the 1936 Berlin Olympics to promote his agenda. The torch relay has its origins in Berlin.

Bids and are they worth it?

The IOC used to award the Games seven years in advance. In 2015, as it was set to award the 2022 Winter Olympics, the IOC had only two unlikely candidates: Beijing and Almaty, Kazakhstan. China’s capital won in a close vote. Many European countries including Sweden , Germany and Switzerland dropped out because of high costs. Since then, the IOC has eliminated the old bid system. It had only two bidders in 2017 for the 2024 Summer Games: Paris and Los Angeles. It awarded Paris those Games and gave Los Angeles 2028 . In 2021, it awarded Brisbane, Australia, the 2032 Games — 11 years in advance — largely because of influential IOC member John Coates. An Olympic study by Victor Matheson and Robert Baade, two American college professors, concluded that “in most cases the Olympics are a money-losing proposition for host cities.” The study in the Journal of Economic Perspectives was published in 2016 and IOC officials say recent changes to the bid system will help. A key argument is that the Olympics are very expensive and may bump aside priorities like schools and hospitals.

Scandals and corruption

The Olympics frequently have been embroiled in scandals or corruption, perhaps due to the large amount of public money involved and rushed deadlines. The most recent Tokyo Games involved a bribery scandal over contracts, sponsorships and the bid itself. The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics were out of money when they opened. Then-IOC member Carlos Nuzman , who headed the Games, was arrested on corruption charges shortly the Olympics were over. The 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, were marked by a state-run doping scandal and coverup. Corruption in the bid process in the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games forced some ethics reforms. And organizers of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics in Japan are widely reported to have destroyed incriminating financial records that showed they spent millions on lavish entertainment for IOC members.

AP Olympics coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

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When is upgrading to business class worth it.

Since business-class flights can be costly, it's not financially possible for most travelers to fly business class every vacation. However, occasionally splurging on business-class tickets may be an option to consider.

Spending extra money for a more enjoyable or comfortable fight experience could be worth it.

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Should you upgrade your ticket for an upcoming flight? Here are some situations where paying a higher ticket price may make sense -- as long as the price tag fits your budget.

Improved comfort on long-haul trips

If you have a two-hour flight taking you a few states away, you'll likely want to save your money and avoid upgrading your ticket. Why? Premium seats on aircraft used for short-haul routes don't differ much from those in the economy-class cabin. You may get a more comfortable seat and slightly more legroom, but the cost to upgrade likely isn't worth the perks provided.

But if you're taking a long-haul overnight flight to another country, consider upgrading your ticket. Many planes used for these routes have more comfortable business-class seats than those in economy class. The premium seats are more spread out, which can give you more privacy, and you may get a lie-flat seat, so you can rest during your journey.

Springing for a business-class ticket may be worth it for travelers who value increased comfort and want to sleep during a long or overnight flight.

You can benefit from priority privileges and increased baggage allowance

Most airlines extend priority privileges and other benefits like a higher checked baggage allowance to travelers flying on business-class tickets. Priority check-in and security could make your airport experience less stressful. Priority boarding allows additional time to get situated before the plane takes off. These perks can be a stress reducer for some travelers.

Many business-class tickets allow flyers to bring additional checked bags for free. If you're going on a trip that requires you to pack more, this may be a benefit worth the ticket upgrade. Many airlines keep increasing their checked bag fees, and these extra costs apply to each one-way flight, so if you're not part of team carry-on only, this is a valuable perk.

Before upgrading to a business-class ticket, consider the total cost and whether benefits like this are valuable. Every traveler has different needs and expectations, so some perks may be worth the extra money to some -- but a waste of money to others.

Make a trip extra special

Another situation that may make upgrading to business class worth it is when you're planning a special trip. Whether you're celebrating an occasion, just underwent a significant life change, or are treating someone you love to an adventure of a lifetime, you may be looking for a way to make the trip more memorable.

In this case, spending more on business-class tickets may be a good idea. You and anyone accompanying you will be shown extra attention, and the additional perks included with your ticket will make the entire travel experience more enjoyable.

Just make sure you review your finances before spending more on premium tickets. It's never a good idea to go into credit card debt by paying for travel purchases you can't afford. You can save up for business-class tickets well before your trip starts. Keeping your vacation fund in a high-yield savings account will allow you to earn interest.

Consider your travel style and budget

Only you can decide if the additional cost of premium airfare is worth it. Before you rush to spend more on a business-class ticket, consider your travel style and financial situation.

If you can afford a more expensive ticket and will benefit from the experience, go for it. But there are times when the upgrade cost is likely not worth it.

When booking your tickets, consider using a travel rewards credit card. You can earn rewards when you swipe your card. Many travelers use these credit cards to earn rewards and redeem them for flights and hotels to make future trips more affordable. Want to add a travel credit card to your wallet? Check out our list of the best travel credit cards to learn more.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

When Is Upgrading to Business Class Worth It? was originally published by The Motley Fool

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Victoria beckham’s ‘horny’ instagram caption about husband david leaves fans feeling ‘uncomfortable’.

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Victoria Beckham’s steamy recollection of her 1997 European summer getaway with her husband, David Beckham, left some fans “uncomfortable” and others itching for more.

On Saturday, the Spice Girls alum took to Instagram to share throwback photos of herself and the former soccer player loved-up on the coast of Italy.

“Portofino in 1997 was a very, very romantic trip,” she captioned the snaps. “I remember how excited I was there to be there with David for the first time. The intensity of the two of us being together that 48 hours really was amazing… Kisses @DavidBeckham.”

The trip seemingly left a love stain on Victoria’s memory as she was inspired to create a Portofino ’97 Eau de Parfum ($200) for her Victoria Beckham Beauty brand.

Per her website, the scent is described as provoking, “A new infatuation.  A secret escape. The seductive scent of desire.”

The scent seeks to capture the model and David’s “burgeoning romance” of their trip, which was filled with “adrenaline,” “flirtation” and “infatuation.”

While Victoria, 50, kept the details of her trip with David, 49, to a minimum, fans couldn’t help but assume the romantic intensity behind her post and perfume inspiration.

“This horny caption I’m uncomfortable,” one person wrote on X as another chimed in that the “Wannabe” songstress’ perfume descriptions were “super horny.”

“uncomfortable or jealous?” another fan clapped back.

“[Not going to lie], i’m just jealous,” a fourth added.

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Meanwhile, several fans were infatuated by the couple’s love for each other after nearly 25 years of marriage.

“i’m very comfortable, and as a matter of fact (sic) i’d like for her to tell me more,” one supporter wrote.

“i want their love so bad (sic) like they are obsessed with each other still,” another gushed as a third assumed, “Oh so they got freaky.”

“i love how she loves him,” a fourth chimed in as someone else agreed, “The way they still want each other. Love it.”

Victoria is known to be her husband’s number one fan as she publicly raves about him on social media.

For decades, the duo have continued to put on a united front as they’ve dodged affair rumors on David’s behalf.

The pop star and the athlete — who’ve been together since 1997 — share four kids : Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12.

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Money blog: Welcome to our Q&A on energy bills as the price cap falls

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. As the energy price cap falls today, submit a question for Which? or Cornwall Insight as our live Q&A gets under way.

Monday 1 July 2024 15:23, UK

Energy price cap falls

• Submit an energy question above for Which? or Cornwall Insight for live Q&A now
• Energy price cap falls today - here's what you need to know
• Is it worth getting a fixed tariff now?
• Are prepayment prices the cheapest way now?

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Ask a question or make a comment

I read prepayment is the cheapest way now - why is this and is it likely to remain the case? If so, how do I get one?

Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor, says...

Prepayment unit prices are a little cheaper than the price-capped variable tariffs for direct debit customers at the moment.

Prepayment prices used to always be more expensive than paying by direct debit to account for higher admin costs, but the government pledged to scrap the extra charges for prepayment meter customers and prices are now more balanced.

However, I'd have a couple of words of caution to anyone thinking of switching to prepayment just for cheaper unit prices.

Most notably, this price difference is only for customers paying a price-capped variable rate - as soon as you look at fixed deals, direct debit customers tend to have access to cheaper options, with fewer available for prepayment customers. 

Next, prepayment meters aren't as convenient - you will need to remember to physically top up your meter when your credit runs low. 

Finally, prepayment meter customers aren't able to spread their energy costs evenly throughout the year like direct debit customers - so you will need to pay significantly more into your account through the winter and less in the summer, which can be difficult to budget for.

My energy company uses 100% renewables so why is it that their bills fluctuate in line with the market?

Kate Mulvany, a principal consultant at Cornwall Insight, says..

Even if your energy company uses 100% renewable, your bills can still be affected by wholesale market price fluctuations.

Your supplier might secure the energy you need by investing in renewable sources like solar farms, wind turbines or hydro power. 

However, the energy generated by renewables is not always available exactly when you need it. 

For instance, solar power produces lots of electricity during the day, but customers might need electricity in the evening or during winter nights. 

And because renewable energy supply and demand don't always match perfectly, suppliers also will rely on electricity that comes from the general electricity grid. 

The supplier likely ensures the amount of energy you use in a year is equivalent to the amount of renewable electricity generated and put into the grid on your behalf, but this isn't matched on a minute-by-minute basis. 

Since electricity must be used instantly after it's generated, or it needs to be stored which is often expensive, you might use electricity that was generated from non-renewable sources like gas. 

Electricity prices are often influenced by the price of gas, so if gas prices go up, the cost of electricity from the grid rises too, affecting your bill. 

It's worth noting that not all renewable energy tariffs are regulated by Ofgem the same way, and sometimes, customers on renewable tariffs might end up paying more than those on the price cap.

Watch our video below on renewable energy for more on this... 

Mrs Forbes:

Are there rules on how far back a provider can charge you? My daughter was the account holder in a shared house at university and provided a final meter reading when she left two years ago but the energy firm have sent her a bill for £900

Back-billing is when a supplier charges you for the gas and electricity you've used in the past but haven't been billed for – usually due to a billing error - and Ofgem, the energy regulator, does have rules on this. 

Energy firms are banned from back-billing you for energy used more than 12 months before the error was detected, if it's found that it's the energy supplier's fault, for example if they did not send you your bills at the time.

However, if you were at fault, they can back-bill you for up to six years. If you think your energy provider has made a mistake, you should file a complaint with them. 

Ideally, you should take a photograph of your energy meters when you are taking final readings and moving out of a property, in case you need proof at a later date.

Ian Douglas:

With reports of an expected energy price increase towards the end of the year, is this the "new normal" with prices dropping through summer and increasing (when usage is guaranteed to be higher) for winter/spring? What's behind this cycle?

Kate Mulvany, a principal consultant at Cornwall Insight, says...

The UK energy market experiences seasonal demand fluctuations, with higher demand in winter and lower demand in summer. 

This pattern historically reflects the increased need for heating and lighting during colder, darker winter months. 

The price cap is currently calculated quarterly, whereas it was previously calculated every six months. 

This shift from seasonal to quarterly price caps has made these seasonal changes more apparent to households. 

That is not to say that this seasonal pattern will continue - for instance, greater cooling and air conditioning needs during the summer months may increase demand (and therefore price) in those months just as greater energy efficiency of homes and businesses may reduce heating demand in the winter months.

EllsBells24:

If tariffs are available, is it worth getting a fixed tariff now - what should I be considering?

With prices predicted to rise again in October, now could be a good time to shop around for cheaper fixed deals.

A fixed deal around the price of the July price cap, not longer than 12 months and without significant exit fees might be worth considering as variable prices are expected to be higher in autumn and winter, when you'll also be using more energy.

Unfortunately, there's no "one size fits all" approach to switching or fixing an energy deal - it will all depend on your individual circumstances - but the first step is always to compare your monthly payments on the price cap, bearing in mind future predictions, to any fixed deals to see what will be cheaper for you. 

Keep an eye out for specialist tariffs that might work for you. For example, if you have an electric vehicle, some tariffs offer cheaper electricity overnight to charge your car.

As the energy price cap falls today, with a warning it is likely to rise again this winter, we thought it would be a good time to ask industry experts to answer your questions.

Whether it be a consumer query about how to save money, or a broader query about why prices are set to rise again or the UK's supply, we've got you covered.

Experts from consumer group Which? and industry analysts Cornwall Insights will be here from 3pm - so submit your question above.

On hand to answer them will be: 

• Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor
• Kate Mulvany, a principal consultant at Cornwall Insight 

Google has followed in the footsteps of its rival Apple to launch digital room key support for hotels.

Guests at some hotels are now being offered key cards that can be stored in their Google Wallet, if they have an Android phone.

The Strawberry hotel group announced that its Clarion Hotel Post site in Gothenburg, Sweden, was one of the first hotels to be offering the service.

It works by waking the phone and tapping it on or near the door handle.

Google isn't the first brand to offer the functionality, with big chains such as Marriott and Hilton having the same service for some time - but for these you need to download their apps.

iPhone and Apple Watch users have also had access to a similar product for Apple Wallet since 2021.

An online bank has unveiled new features to prevent criminals from raiding people's savings after stealing their phone.

Monzo customers can now choose certain locations they need to be - for example, inside their home - to transfer money or withdraw savings over a certain limit.

The bank, which has nine million customers, said the security control tools were the first of their kind.

Customers can also choose to invite a trusted friend or family member to review a transfer or withdrawal over a chosen limit.

"Whether it's choosing your safety radius with known locations or having a trusted contact sense-check your payments before you make them, these features offer customers peace of mind and force a much-needed moment of pause in a high-stakes situation," said Priyesh Patel, a senior engineer at Monz.

The bank also unveiled a feature whereby customers can choose to authenticate a payment by getting a QR code sent to a different device.

The news comes amid a rise in phone thefts, with particularly high levels reported in London.

Approximately 90,000 mobile phones, or 250 a day, were stolen in London in 2022, according to the latest statistics from the Met Police.

Aldi is lopping the tops off pineapples sold in its stores in a move aimed at cutting food waste.

The budget supermarket said the crowns would be removed during the production process to stop them ending up in black bins.

The removed leaves will be used to cultivate next year's crop or will be turned into animal feed.

Topless pineapples are only available in select stores in the Midlands and northern England at the moment - but if the change is rolled out across all Aldi sites it could save roughly 1,400 tonnes of food waste each year, the supermarket said.

Sainsbury's announced a similar moved in October last year, also in a bid to cut food waste.

Aldi national sustainability director Liz Fox told The Grocer: "At Aldi, we are committed to finding sustainable solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

As news of a far-right victory in French elections emerged the euro actually strengthened.

One pound buys €1.177, less than during the majority of the past month because the National Rally party did not do as well as had been expected with 33% of the vote share in round one of voting.

Better news for people travelling to the US or importing dollar-price goods: £1 = $1.2677, the highest level since last Wednesday. 

The oil price is at a high not seen since the end of April - $85.53 for a barrel of Brent crude oil, the benchmark price. 

On the London Stock Exchange, the 350 most valuable companies have got more valuable.

The FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) 100 index rose 0.39% on Monday morning led by Smurfit Kappa, the packaging giant eyeing a US stock exchange listing. 

The FTSE 250 was up 0.52% led by care home owner Target Healthcare REIT.

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