Are travel teams beneficial to youth sports?
On One Hand: More Intense Focus on Skill DevelopmentTravel teams practice more often, focus on skills and player development, and play at higher levels of competition. The end result is a child that is more skilled than most non-travel team peers. Opportunity for college scholarships are available and many big name tournaments include college recruiters.On the Other: Little Time for Anything ElseTravel team kids and families have less time for playing, less time at home with family and a schedule that is demanding and time-consuming with several practices a week, games and distant tournaments. The goal of college scholarship is attained by a very small percentage of players.Bottom LineAn honest look at a child’s abilities and commitment to their sport should determine participation in travel teams. With so few receiving college scholarships and fewer going pro, an honest assessment of ability, commitment and desire should be weighed against the drain on family life, quality time and in
