This is the second year my son is playing ODP in NC. I wouldn't say ODP is prohibitively expensive. This year, training is $25/session for 6 sessions initially. The team travelled to a tournament in Jekyll Island, the cost was $250 for the weekend. The team is travelling to a tournament in France for 10 days in April. The cost (if you wish your son to go) will be around $1500. There will be a tournament in Charleston, which will probably be $250 and camp in Alabama for $600. This year (because of the France trip) is the most expensive year.
I know college, even at a state school is going to be around $10K/year. I agree that if you think you are going to get a scholarship by playing ODP, think again. First, the most you'll receive is a 1/4 or 1/3 scholarship, 10 per team of 24 players means you don't get a free ride.
ODP here in NC has been a very positive experience for my son. The program is very well organized. His goal is not to be recruited by one of the ODP coaches, our club team is affiliated with Duke, UNC and NC State. He will get much more exposure to these programs (assuming he wants to go/play at one of these schools) by playing for our club, attending additional training sessions, etc.
The ODP experience, playing with and against the best players, travelling with a team (not your parents) to tournaments so far, has been a positive, enriching experience for him.
