Challenge Elite Inc

Hi, my daughter has been playing volleyball for a few years and this was season number 2 with Challenge Elite, Inc. We had just returned from a tournament in Corpus Christi on March 8th and were exactly halfway through the season when we received the notification that practices and tournaments would be on hold for the foreseeable future. Noting the severity of the virus and how long the lockdown may exist, I asked on March 12th if there would be a refund for the remaining practices and tournaments should the season not continue. No answer was given at the time. Fast forward to May 3rd, the parents were informed that the season would indeed end and that we would receive a $400 club credit to be used during the following season. For me, this is where the situation started to not pass the smell test.

The team consisted of 11 girls. The club and extra practice fees were $2,200 - $2,500 for each girl; a total of $24,200 - $27,500. These dues were all either paid upfront or by post-dated checks. Given that the season was halfway completed, I would assume that the parents would be issued a refund in the realm of $1,100-$1,250 each, not a mere $400 club credit for the next season. Following pushback from parents, the Director, sent out a new email the next day claiming the tournaments missed account for a $98.18 refund per child and a reduced the $400 club credit down to $100 club credit. How generous! I get that there are advertising fees and other fees associated with running this type of organization, but after numerous attempts to contact the Director, us parents are left to speculate. As usual, he also mentions in his email that he will not discuss the matter any further and we are to speak with the coach if there’s further questions. This has been a common response by the Director anytime issues are brought up.

I have emailed, texted, and called the Director numerous times with no response. I will now tell anyone who cares about their children and their pocketbook to stay as far away from Challenge Elite, Inc. as possible. I do not know if the club fees which were earmarked for volleyball tournaments and coaching were ultimately spent on volleyball or other nefarious ways. Again, the Director refuses to surface and answer these questions, so myself and other parents are left to assume the worst. He obviously thinks he is above answering questions and I personally find it disgusting the so-called leader of a youth organization cannot or will not meet with parents and explain where $13,000+/- has gone due to the cancelled season. The audacity to hide behind emails and a keyboard is all too common in society today, but I never expected this behavior from the director of a youth organization.