My club has a "scholarship" program that is supposed to go to kids who can't afford the competitive teams. Unfortunately, it seems to be used on the top kids to try and convince them not to go to another club.

Hell, I am a middle-class white guy and even I am holding off on the club leagues. We did a club season (indoor) over the winter and my son actually prefers rec at a cool $30. The club league was not fun, just business. The games weren't even fun as they constantly switched up the teams and there was no competitiveness in the games, more teaching. I understand the philosophy, but my son is a competition hawk and thrives on winning... he is just happier and plays on another level. The training was great, but it turned him off of soccer a little and now can't wait for summer league basketball, even while playing rec soccer this spring. He waffles back and forth between soccer and basketball and the club wanted him to specialize in soccer only. I guess I haven't reached the point where I am ready to shell out that kind of time and money until my son decides it is what he really wants to do. Not to mention, he is surely going to want to play a sport every season in HS.