Guestimation of cost to raise national caliber jr

[HIGH-TECH TENNIS]

Have you seen this very thought-provoking topic??? How much does it cost to raise a national caliber junior - from age 8-18?

Junior Development: $475,776 Price Tag

Just can't stop thinking/talking about this topic. I saw one of our earliest customers over the weekend and asked his opinion. He thought for a moment and then answered confidently: "About $500K." I asked "How'd you know?" He said "I've written the checks!"

Of course, I also remember a father who bragged about spending "a quarter of a million in just two years!!!" (OMG) but the one who guessed with such accuracy has "walked the walk" while raising two daughters (present ages 14 and 17) and now he's "talking the talk" because he wishes parents would BE REALISTIC in terms of expectations.

Would LOVE to hear what others have to say about this very thought-provoking topic! We care very much about junior tennis and, as always, the very last thing we want to do is create any controversy whatsoever. Thanks for your support!

[Bash and Crash]

Sounds about right, anywhere from 25k to 35k a year for lessons, travel, expenses more for those who want the elite training experience.

[thepastord]

Way too much for what they end up getting for it........At least $25K- $30K..... I recommend balance above everything. If you happen to have a spectacular over the top talent, who really wants to be a pro, then it could be wise. Bottom line, America is not the breeding ground for that type of talent, regardless of what the USTA claims. Families can obtain a very high quality of tennis with a great balance of competitive tournaments without going overboard. The problem is, parents get sucked into the entire process and end up chasing their tails. Most of the kids end up at endless practices and constant travel. They end up miserable and only outsiders and trusted friend hear about it. Because mom and dad have invested so much money and time, they don't want to disappoint them. Many can't wait to go to college, just to get away from their parents.

Meet me, the tennis mom, that hears all of it.............

[Bash and Crash]

Originally Posted by thepastord

The problem is, parents get sucked into the entire process and end up chasing their tails. Most of the kids end up at endless practices and constant travel. They end up miserable and only outsiders and trusted friend hear about it. Because mom and dad have invested so much money and time, they don't want to disappoint them. Many can't wait to go to college, just to get away from their parents.

So true, that and looking for the coach that will tell them what they want to hear. I know so many kids who say their parents are crazy and just want to have some fun along the way. One parent in particular has send her son to at least 5 different coaches in the last year or so and he still struggles to win more than one or two matches a tourney.

[Frankenstine]

We were on that track... But we then stopped once high school came around. When you are trying to compete at a national level, while taking multiple AP/honors classes it gets quite difficult. We ended up spending much less money while still playing a few tournaments and trying to play with local kids instead of clinics, etc.

Tennis does build character, and I would say it definitely is a good investment if you have that amount of money. Even if you don't play professionally, or get a scholarship. Tennis brings families closer together, and the memories that will be remembered are tremendous in numbers.

In conclusion, tennis is fun, and as long as everybody is realistic then everything is well.

[thepastord]

I am happy to see some folks honestly stating the truth about this subject! Too many parents are in denial and it turns what could be a great experience for the entire family into a stressful time. Best to let them develop the qualities that will make them a confident, integrated and best of all, someone who can stand alone and make wise decisions. We have found that if the tennis is approached right it can help to develop a happy situation.

Our daughter is a senior, a year ahead of time...... She is a great player that many high academic colleges are after. Is she pro material, no, but she has still had opportunities to experience the best parts. In a few weeks she will be playing in a Wildcard Pro tournament. She has benefited from being able to manage a wide range of activities and still maintained a high GPA. A few weeks ago we were eating dinner and the subject of tennis came up. She said she was glad that she plays, and hopes her own child will play someday. Kids need a outside activity to break the stress of academics. Tennis can be good for that, as long as it won't contribute to the STRESS. lol

You can also develop a very high quality player by establishing balance. The comment made about changing coaches too much happens all the time.... We changed a few times over the 9 years she has been playing. There are antics you need to watch for from both coaches and parents. Again, balance!

[tennis5]

I pulled this off a USTA question and answer site.
I am taking off the poster's name, as I am not sure he wants it on this site,
but he is from California.


Americans are way behind in the vast tennis world because private lessons and junior tournaments are expensive. Only families with a lot of extra money can afford what is necessary. This is why so few Americans are near the top of professional tennis right now. Men or women.

European governments pay for their up-and-comers to receive proper training. This is why the Europeans are taking the best college spots too. If you have a lot of money, good for you, otherwise your child will be lost in the crowd just like a lot of other talented American youngsters wanting to get better.

Obviously the Williams sisters’ story tosses my pathetic views out the window. They are the exception. And good for them. They worked hard for their success.

Sorry to be so negative but this is the way I feel. Tennis is all about how much cash you have.

[tennis5]

Originally Posted by thepastord

Way too much for what they end up getting for it........At least $25K- $30K..... I recommend balance above everything. If you happen to have a spectacular over the top talent, who really wants to be a pro, then it could be wise. Bottom line, America is not the breeding ground for that type of talent, regardless of what the USTA claims. Families can obtain a very high quality of tennis with a great balance of competitive tournaments without going overboard. The problem is, parents get sucked into the entire process and end up chasing their tails. Most of the kids end up at endless practices and constant travel. They end up miserable and only outsiders and trusted friend hear about it. Because mom and dad have invested so much money and time, they don't want to disappoint them. Many can't wait to go to college, just to get away from their parents.

Meet me, the tennis mom, that hears all of it.............

That is frightening how many times I have heard the sentiment below:

Because mom and dad have invested so much money and time, they don't want to disappoint them.
Many can't wait to go to college, just to get away from their parents

I think there is a lot of guilt involved where the kids feel mom and dad spent money we don't have, so I have to do this.

[donnymac10s]

Originally Posted by HIGH-TECH TENNIS

Have you seen this very thought-provoking topic??? How much does it cost to raise a national caliber junior - from age 8-18?

Junior Development: $475,776 Price Tag

Just can't stop thinking/talking about this topic. I saw one of our earliest customers over the weekend and asked his opinion. He thought for a moment and then answered confidently: "About $500K." I asked "How'd you know?" He said "I've written the checks!"

Of course, I also remember a father who bragged about spending "a quarter of a million in just two years!!!" (OMG) but the one who guessed with such accuracy has "walked the walk" while raising two daughters (present ages 14 and 17) and now he's "talking the talk" because he wishes parents would BE REALISTIC in terms of expectations.

Would LOVE to hear what others have to say about this very thought-provoking topic! We care very much about junior tennis and, as always, the very last thing we want to do is create any controversy whatsoever. Thanks for your support!

The sad part is that a lot of parents are bamboozled into spending this type of money because they think that a college scholarship will be guaranteed. Who spends $475K to get something (the "getting" is not entirely guaranteed) worth $150K.. sounds like the worst "investment" in the world.

[slice bh compliment]

Yeah. It's the journey.

[chalkflewup]

Originally Posted by donnymac10s

The sad part is that a lot of parents are bamboozled into spending this type of money because they think that a college scholarship will be guaranteed. Who spends $475K to get something (the "getting" is not entirely guaranteed) worth $150K.. sounds like the worst "investment" in the world.

Bamboozled by who? I thought bamboozlement was grounds for a lawsuit.

[sureshs]

Originally Posted by tennis5

I pulled this off a USTA question and answer site.
I am taking off the poster's name, as I am not sure he wants it on this site,
but he is from California.


Americans are way behind in the vast tennis world because private lessons and junior tournaments are expensive. Only families with a lot of extra money can afford what is necessary. This is why so few Americans are near the top of professional tennis right now. Men or women.

European governments pay for their up-and-comers to receive proper training. This is why the Europeans are taking the best college spots too. If you have a lot of money, good for you, otherwise your child will be lost in the crowd just like a lot of other talented American youngsters wanting to get better.

Obviously the Williams sisters’ story tosses my pathetic views out the window. They are the exception. And good for them. They worked hard for their success.

Sorry to be so negative but this is the way I feel. Tennis is all about how much cash you have.

Only issue I have is that people are often narrowly focused on these matters. I can't speak for the person who posted this, but it seems that he likes the European government support. The same guy (not this guy, generically speaking here) often will rant against government support for health care or other benefits and how socialism will kill the country with higher taxes (where does he think the European money is coming from?). When it comes to his own children compared to Europeans, he will say that the government should help him with coaching costs.

Doesn't work that way. If you believe you are entitled to government support and it should not be a free capitalist economy with only the affluent enjoying everything, then same is true for other issues of other people too, which are much more serious than tennis.

[Number1Coach]

Originally Posted by tennis5

I pulled this off a USTA question and answer site.
I am taking off the poster's name, as I am not sure he wants it on this site,
but he is from California.


Americans are way behind in the vast tennis world because private lessons and junior tournaments are expensive. Only families with a lot of extra money can afford what is necessary. This is why so few Americans are near the top of professional tennis right now. Men or women.

European governments pay for their up-and-comers to receive proper training. This is why the Europeans are taking the best college spots too. If you have a lot of money, good for you, otherwise your child will be lost in the crowd just like a lot of other talented American youngsters wanting to get better.

Obviously the Williams sisters’ story tosses my pathetic views out the window. They are the exception. And good for them. They worked hard for their success.

Sorry to be so negative but this is the way I feel. Tennis is all about how much cash you have.

I highly disagree with all that is written here , as for the Williams they just put in the work few will demand of their children , you allways here the word "fun" involved with our tennis development programs ,,

Bring your kid to me and the first thing they will hear is "get the smile off your face your here to work" and here is how you will now spell the word fun "W-I-N"

We need some oldtimers who don't care about feelings and are willing to be honest.

[sureshs]

More basic reason is that the Williams are either tall (Venus) or strong (Serena). Venus owns perhaps the fastest serve in the WTA and Serena is not bad either, and has a powerful kicker. Their physical attributes are the primary reason for their success. Hard work without the physical endowments doesn't pay off in sports - it is not fair in that way. Even players with less than impressive physiques like Federer have attributes like hand-eye coordination and vision way beyond the average, which are not obvious.

You must have the raw material first. Otherwise you will be a Vania King maximum (and winning Mixed Doubles Slams is not bad).

[donnymac10s]

Originally Posted by chalkflewup

Bamboozled by who? I thought bamboozlement was grounds for a lawsuit.

Well, for one, the USTA who claims that college tennis is the key to the pros: http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/15/U...0Pro%20FAQ.pdf and second, slimeball coaches who do not tell the parents the truth and sell the same dream to parents.

[donnymac10s]

Originally Posted by Number1Coach

I highly disagree with all that is written here , as for the Williams they just put in the work few will demand of their children , you allways here the word "fun" involved with our tennis development programs ,,

Bring your kid to me and the first thing they will hear is "get the smile off your face your here to work" and here is how you will now spell the word fun "W-I-N"

We need some oldtimers who don't care about feelings and are willing to be honest.

exactly... there's the hit-and-giggle route and then there's the serious-business route. players/parents should know what it takes in terms of $ and time for either route. too many people want to get to the winner's circle with the foot on the brake

[tennis5]

Originally Posted by Number1Coach

I highly disagree with all that is written here , as for the Williams they just put in the work few will demand of their children , you allways here the word "fun" involved with our tennis development programs ,,

Bring your kid to me and the first thing they will hear is "get the smile off your face your here to work" and here is how you will now spell the word fun "W-I-N"

We need some oldtimers who don't care about feelings and are willing to be honest.

Sounds like you and DB could open an academy in the future

[tennis5]

Originally Posted by chalkflewup

Bamboozled by who? I thought bamboozlement was grounds for a lawsuit.

To define your word - to deceive or get the better of (someone) by trickery.

Yes, that this is the tennis coaches who say to the parents of the kids with no talent that if junior comes to them and plays x number of times, then junior will get a tennis scholarship.

Really, how do the parents know the coach is a thief, a con artist, bilking for some dough.

They just leave the coach after the first free evaluation and think junior is the real deal.

[tennis5]

Originally Posted by sureshs

Only issue I have is that people are often narrowly focused on these matters. I can't speak for the person who posted this, but it seems that he likes the European government support. The same guy (not this guy, generically speaking here) often will rant against government support for health care or other benefits and how socialism will kill the country with higher taxes (where does he think the European money is coming from?). When it comes to his own children compared to Europeans, he will say that the government should help him with coaching costs.

Doesn't work that way. If you believe you are entitled to government support and it should not be a free capitalist economy with only the affluent enjoying everything, then same is true for other issues of other people too, which are much more serious than tennis.

Lots of good points. Yes, there are bigger social worries than tennis.
I would start with childhood poverty.

But, what about the USTA? They are for just a few select kids.

Problem is they choose them when they are too young.

[chalkflewup]

Originally Posted by tennis5

Lots of good points. Yes, there are bigger social worries than tennis.
I would start with childhood poverty.

But, what about the USTA? They are for just a few select kids.

Problem is they choose them when they are too young.

USTA touches a lot more than the high performance kids. If you think otherwise it's because I believe the communication from the USTA needs improvement.

As far as selecting kids too young is concerned, no way. It's been the complete opposite until two years ago. We need to get to kids earlier and teach them proper fundamentals earlier. It is starting to happen.