Travel leagues, or 'year round' dedication to one sport. I don't know of a single 'pro' player, coach, or any other expert who thinks this is a good idea for youth. Maybe High School, but I doubt it because:

My older grandson, entering his Senior year, was invited to... I think 3 camps this year to learn from college coaches about receiving. Fresno State, Humboldt, and Cal Poly SLO - - At ALL of them the first question they asked them when signing in was "How many sports do you play?" After signing in and during the opening comments to all the kids in attendance they explained they look first at Grades and then versatility in sports. They want well rounded athletes.

BUT... and I can only speak for my area - "Travel Leagues" are THE thing. If you're not in Travel League you're JAG. It's so much a part of the collective 'psych' here than there is no breaking it other than 'time' and evolution.

My 10yr old is a a good baseball player and he's had several "Travel Teams" in the valley trying to recruit him... he doesn't want to do it. He LOVES football, basketball, whatever. Every 'coach' of these teams, (all youth team coaches).. in other words almost all parents, told my Daughter that if he doesn't play "Travel League" he'll never make it. ???????? Make what? The Pro's? That ain't happening no matter what and I can guarantee you he'll be on his High School Varsity team. - JamesJM

P.S. Don't get me started about Travel League coaches... the % of them pocketing the money they collect is high. I think it's the next major breaking sport 'scam' exposed.