Sigh, but isn't this just another way of saying that kids who are going to progress slower or top out at L7 don't deserve a coach.
Around here most gyms don't have rec programs that allow the same kind of high level of fitness that the kids get in even the lowest compulsory levels of team. There really needs to be an avenue whenever possible to let these kids work their way up team no matter how slowly, if their parents can pay and they show up and work hard.
The experience of working on's way to L6 by age 16 or whatever, is going to be an athletic experience probably not available to the child in any other sport. It needs to be valued for what it is. The child competes against herself.
Rec classes don't have time to provide that kind of training.
It becomes a matter of doing what you can, and realizing you can't be everything to everyone. The resources are limited in terms of space, money, and staff...... and it's often a matter of making choices and deciding where to spend the money that comes in, much of which would otherwise have been a profit to the owner.
Just to operate one group of 6-8 kids in a 20 hour training week takes between $1500-$3000 a month to pay a coach with a resume ranging from some experience, to one with the national level experience a level 9 or 10 group requires to have a chance for a safe and progressive experience. That same group will use one fifth the capacity of a common gym's equipment and floor space, but that's only when that group uses one fifth of their time using off equipment space working on shaping, dance, flexibility and strength training.
If there are 2 groups of kids with 20 hour training weeks, the effective capacity available is reduced by 40 %. Assuming those 12-16 kids are a combination of uptraining L5's and optional kids, there will be other team groups working at levels 3 and 4 that also use equipment. Those to groups will use another 20 -30% of the gym's collective capacity, which leaves the rec program with very few options and little room for growth.
I guess what I'm trying to say is the team fees may, or not, cover the coaches' wages. Add to that a fair share of their use of gym resources including rent, utilities, equipment purchases, and upkeep to come to a loss figure in the neighborhood of $200 per child each month.
It really comes down to making difficult choices, and that doesn't always work well for the 16 year old level six who needs to have that experience to feel like she's had it all. As a bottom to top coach, I work with kids of all levels, ages, and dedication, and love doing it as they all offer a me a chance to be a part of their joy for learning.
Deciding who will and who won't get that team spot is very difficult, and it's tough to know your choice will disappoint a child you've worked with, but that's the reality of the industry.