- Feb 4, 2010
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It isn't just the elite level, and I would say the type of gym dictates the expense more than the level of a team. Our gym has a similar travel schedule for all teams, and many gyms in my area attend at least 2 flight/STP competitions. When you attend the elite competitions, the price increases significantly. I would argue that most sports are not as expensive, particularly when it comes to competition fees and spectator admission fees and forced hotel stays. I have many friends who's kids are elite basketball (junior olympic) players, soccer players, etc and the costs are not nearly as high. I would say hockey is comparable but there are far more games involved - on average I am spending more than $1k per competition if you factor my total expense to the number of competitions we attend. I used to show horses, so at least cheer is a bargain compared to that, but really, those are the only sports/activities that I can think of that are equivalent or more expensive. I can confidently say that STP has added at least $1,500 to my annual expense. This is the nail in the coffin to those already struggling.Wow that is a lot of money... :eek: But your CP is on an elite level. Wouldn't prices for any travel sport at a top level be similar?
Our costs to the gym are about the same. We only have 2 travel comps that are not far away. Not more than $1000. It's level 1. :)
So I don't feel priced out of cheer at all at the moment, but I can see how it could get way more expensive if she moves up levels and to a bigger gym that travels more.
So bottom line, yes - all star cheer can be "affordable", but only if you go to a gym that only competes locally and has no interest in creating Worlds or Summit teams.
ETA: It really bothers me that the costs have increased so much, because my kids have loved all star cheer and it has done so much for them. I hate seeing people get priced out and something great be taken away from kids.
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