Mike,

Another way to look at it is the cost per game and practice:

Using the numbers posted:

ODP:
Games: Sub-regional (3)
Region 3 Camp (5?)
Practices: 5 which is very high from what I've heard
Cost each: $760/13 = $58

Club:
Games: Season (19 if two seasons, one in PL which I assume is what you are talking about given the gas cost you quote)
Tournaments (9 minimum (3 events) using your cost)
State Cup (1 minimum)
Practices (at least 96 over spring and fall)
Cost each: $4175/125 = $33

If you look at a top team that many times move out of group/1st round of tournaments and state cup, you have to add perhaps another 6 games for a few semis and finals. Than moves the number down more.

Of course, to really compare apples-to-apples, you need to either factor in going to watch ODP or skipping a few tournaments, which widens the gap further.

All that being said, the cost is only part of the equation. As has been pointed out, it depends on the player and their goals as to whether it makes sense.

Last edited by JAK; 01/21/10 12:42 PM.