Economics and time commitment also become factors when you get above State Premier.
The cost of a player competing in R3P/ECNL is pushing $9500 for club Fees and travel costs,and personal incidentals for each player. I am including all of the R3P travel, Tournaments, flights, Food, Hotels, equipment, etc. Add another $2000- $4000 in depreciation and maintenance to your car for all of the extra miles and the cost alone rules out many players being able to make the commitment. Many player take additional training at an additional cost and play ODP which is not free. Add it all up and you can spend $15000 to $20000 per year on soccer. Lets not forget the cost of injuries??
Time is another factor with travel days missing school and giving up vacations and other activities for soccer. It also involves studying in cars, late nights, airports, and in some cases lots of make up work.
