We don’t find that where we are. Our local soccer club is the largest in North America with over 12,000 players and over 900 volunteer and professional coaches. The rep/travelling teams are a part of the club and the kids must try out for those each year. Soccer goes year round here as we have a fantastic indoor facility. Fees for kids’ house league is ~$250 which includes a game jersey, shorts, socks and a practice jersey; one training session and one game per week, and playoff tournament at the end of the 14 week summer season. There is financial assistance for those who need it. The numbers playing have increased each year as the population of the area increases.
It really depends on where you live. In our area making a HS sports or dance team is almost impossible for a student who has not been involved with the activity outside of school and almost always on a travel/competition team.
That said, I do not think sports are the be all and end all. Neither of mine played sports in HS (D was on Dance team- very competitive but not recognized as a sport), but now in their 20’s both are very active running and at the gym. Kids who do not participate in sports learn valuable teamwork and leadership skills in marching band, debate, putting on a drama production, scouting activities, etc.
This thread is sad. I’m thankful my community had fall and spring rec soccer. Many of the girls on the HS team played Rec during the spring and our high school had a very good soccer team.