In May, during the Atlantic City Showcase, I got the closest I could to understanding the big-ticket conversation in youth basketball.
My primary mission traveling to Atlantic City was to track New England's top grassroots prospects and teams during the May live period. I was also tracking costs — as I've done at most events I've attended this season — to see just how quickly they can stack up.
Everyone is talking about the overwhelming financial toll to play club sports. Even college coaching staffs shell out thousands of dollars just for the opportunity to scout a handful of live-period events. Project Play's national youth sports survey estimates families of high school athletes spend roughly $1,346 per child, per year. But that figure is probably on the low end for many families, and parents have claimed they spend upwards of $10,000 — and after seeing the costs add up over a season, I understand the latter figure.
Where does the heavy burden come from? Here's what I've noticed.
AAU QUESTIONS: When's the right age to start playing club basketball?
