Quote:
Originally Posted by techtiger1
I think this whole thing is a function of a few things. FRC teams especially the big ones now, feel entitled and therefore do not appreciate the other programs. There is a constant brush back since FIRST pushed VEX out between FTC and VEX. This is just the way I see it. I've been happy to see the way robotics programs in general have grown in the ten years I have been involved with FIRST 2004-2014.
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I'm not sure which large teams you're talking about. Large programs tend to help set up and run smaller robotics programs both as a feeder program and as a way to get more people involved in robotics.
In 2012, Team 2220 founded a feeder FTC team to help kids from our 20+ FLL teams transition to FRC and give new team members hands on time with the robot (we already had 70 kids on the team, so it was already difficult to give kids we already had time). Since then, our Eagan Robotics (not 2220!) FTC program has grown to 10 teams and as many students as we have in FRC. Next year it will probably be doubling in size, based on preliminary interest.
Good teams grow. The tree trunk is the most visible part of a tree but it can't exist without roots. Strong, sustainable programs recognize this. 254 has a large VEX program and presence. 1114 got FLL teams all over their local elementary schools. Vertical integration is a marvelous thing for team sustainability and long term strength-- and the cool thing is that any team can get in on the positive feedback cycle. FLL, VEXIQ, VRC, FTC, big teams recognize that these are important for their sustainability or they don't stay big for long. Great teams are like icebergs-- you only see 10% of the massive structure that gets them to that point.