MomOf2ThatsMe
Cheer Parent
- Feb 18, 2011
- 2,236
- 3,892
One of the first things you would have to jettison is the idea of having full uniforms. You would simply HAVE to be in shorts and a t-shirt to even think about getting the price down anywhere near the range you are talking about.
Our gym has three tiers of teams. We have full allstar (silver) half-year allstar (purple) and exhibition(black). The "purple" teams use the last version of uniform. It gives the silver teams an outlet to be able to sell their old uniforms (half of new price) once we change styles. Then, the parents of the purple teams are able to sell to new purple level students when they move up to silver.
It would be a matter of determining if this type of team would be worth it long-term as a loss-leader for your business. Would the gym be willing to lose a significant amount of money on these types of teams in the hopes that they can recruit a portion of those kids for your "regular" all-star teams? (and then recoup some of that lost money.)
I agree that a half-year, rec team scenario is a potential way to increase participation. I'm not sure that going to 6 events and keeping the total cost near $400 is realistic, though.
It definately helped in recruiting too. Out of 16 on the mini half-year, 11 moved up to full all-star, 4 are waiting to do half-year again, and one is taking a year off to just tumble and focus on competitive swimming. Right now on CP's mini 2 there are 27 girls, and 11 are from last season's half-year team.The tiny team, I think all but 2 out of 10 moved up.
Purple team travel fees were $300 last season, and we exhibitioned twice,went to two locals, and Nationals at CANAM. However, these teams were $95 per month including practice and tumbling for seven months. The exhibition teams are $60 per month, and you can add on tumbling for an extra $25.
The half-year teams are great. My youngest is doing one this year. She isn't nearly skilled enough to be on the regular allstar team with the tiny's from last season. It is an excellent way to get your feet wet and just get some skills. Also, it proves to parents that they CAN afford it, especially if they make baby steps from exhibition to half year to full allstar.