You know, coming from a dad whose kid picks all the expensive sports (skiing, BMX, hockey), and is fairly competitive in all, it’s not lost on my that I’m arguing for the socialist system here. BTW, this is the ONLY time I’ll toe that line…
Heany...you just can't compare the two sports (hockey / soccer) in Canada.
In Canada, we are so far ahead of the rest of the world in overall hockey development it's insane. May more number, way more knowledge, and way more GREAT quality competition, even at the lower ranks. It's a pyramid of massive proportions, where the tip of the pyramid produces far too many elite players than there are teams in the world.
There is the odd player of financial disadvantage in hockey that will not slip through the cracks, either. The system props those up.
Also, after age 15, the elite level players in hockey stop paying.
Conversely, in Canada, we're so far behind in soccer than most nations that matter, even in Concacaf. That, and in reality, we really do tend to get the kids that aren't playing hockey...in many cases, soccer is second choice due to financial reasons.
In the case of HPL, the model is really small and financially manageable to simply be able to subsidize the registration fee. There will always be other expenses outside of registration, so those aren't really considered "extras" to most parents. The goal is to bring in the top players, give them a system of competition and accountability, and develop them. Right now, the system is unproven...if BCSA really wants tyo make this work, they need to invest in it, and think outside the box. Financial concerns should never be a reason why a kid can't play top level footy in BC.
Let me ask you…let’s assume little Mags gets to the level he’s looking at HPL…where do you fall on the fence right now? I know if it were me and my kid, I’d be seriously drawn! Give up the summers, give up other sports, become a full time, all the time soccer family, and cough up another $2500.00 PLUS related expenses? I do much better on my T4s than many, and I will tell you now, I’d do the analysis, and may not invest. I’m not convinced the upside is there for the sacrifice.
But, if the program were no extra cost, and the kid is held to a high level of accountability in order to keep his spot, it’s a no brainer- I’m fully in, and supporting the system however it needs supporting.
Heany...you just can't compare the two sports (hockey / soccer) in Canada.
In Canada, we are so far ahead of the rest of the world in overall hockey development it's insane. May more number, way more knowledge, and way more GREAT quality competition, even at the lower ranks. It's a pyramid of massive proportions, where the tip of the pyramid produces far too many elite players than there are teams in the world.
There is the odd player of financial disadvantage in hockey that will not slip through the cracks, either. The system props those up.
Also, after age 15, the elite level players in hockey stop paying.
Conversely, in Canada, we're so far behind in soccer than most nations that matter, even in Concacaf. That, and in reality, we really do tend to get the kids that aren't playing hockey...in many cases, soccer is second choice due to financial reasons.
In the case of HPL, the model is really small and financially manageable to simply be able to subsidize the registration fee. There will always be other expenses outside of registration, so those aren't really considered "extras" to most parents. The goal is to bring in the top players, give them a system of competition and accountability, and develop them. Right now, the system is unproven...if BCSA really wants tyo make this work, they need to invest in it, and think outside the box. Financial concerns should never be a reason why a kid can't play top level footy in BC.
Let me ask you…let’s assume little Mags gets to the level he’s looking at HPL…where do you fall on the fence right now? I know if it were me and my kid, I’d be seriously drawn! Give up the summers, give up other sports, become a full time, all the time soccer family, and cough up another $2500.00 PLUS related expenses? I do much better on my T4s than many, and I will tell you now, I’d do the analysis, and may not invest. I’m not convinced the upside is there for the sacrifice.
But, if the program were no extra cost, and the kid is held to a high level of accountability in order to keep his spot, it’s a no brainer- I’m fully in, and supporting the system however it needs supporting.