We're setting members up with a training exercise in the form of a mock game (the "
SECOND Robotics Competition").
Since students aren't building full-scale robots, some of the intricacies of FRC are lost. As far as a simulated build season goes, however, we're finding that it's pushing us towards a stronger team, as well as a growth in some technical skills (CAD, programming, strategic planning/design).
One of our activities, for example, involves having members contact "sponsors" (veterans on the team) in order to raise fake currency for their SECOND teams. That spares us the complications of real money, but does effectively simulate the costs of registration, materials, etc. as that need arises in reality.