How to Start an AAU Baseball Team

Looking to start an AAU baseball team? Here’s everything you need to know, from finding players to securing funding.

Overview

AAU baseball is a youth baseball league that is sponsored by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The AAU is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1888. The AAU sponsors many different sports programs, including baseball, basketball, football, and track and field.

What is AAU Baseball?

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) baseball is a great way for kids to get involved in organized baseball. It can also be a way for kids to play with other kids that have the same skill level. AAU baseball teams can compete in tournaments and leagues. If you are thinking about starting an AAU baseball team, there are a few things you need to know.

What is the difference between AAU and other youth baseball organizations?

AAU baseball is a youth baseball organization that is different from other youth baseball organizations in a few key ways. First, AAU baseball teams are typically made up of players from multiple schools and/or towns. This allows for more competition and more opportunities for players to be seen by college scouts and professional scouts. Second, AAU baseball teams typically play a more competitive schedule than other youth baseball teams. This means that players on AAU teams get more exposure to higher levels of competition, which can help them develop their skills more quickly. Finally, AAU baseball teams often have access to better facilities and resources than other youth baseball teams. This can give players on AAU teams a significant advantage when it comes to developing their skills and getting recruited by colleges and professional scouts.

What are the benefits of playing AAU baseball?

AAU baseball is a great way to get exposure to college and professional scouts. Because AAU baseball is not affiliated with any particular school or league, players from all over the country can compete against each other in showcase tournaments. These tournaments are typically well-attended by scouts, so it’s a great way to get your name out there if you’re hoping to play at the next level.

AAU baseball also gives you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition in the country. If you want to test your skills against the best of the best, AAU is the way to go.

Finally, playing AAU baseball can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Because players come from all over the country (and sometimes even from other countries) to compete in AAU tournaments, you’ll have the chance to meet people from all walks of life. And who knows, you might even make some lifelong friends along the way!

How to Start an AAU Baseball Team

Starting an AAU baseball team can be a challenge, but it is possible with the right steps. The first step is to find a coach who is willing to lead the team. Once you have a coach, you need to register the team with AAU. After the team is registered, you need to find players. You can find players by holding open tryouts or by recruiting players from other teams.

Step 1: Choose a name for your team

Your team name will be one of your first “brands” as you begin to build your program. It’s important to put some thought into what you want it to represent. You’ll want something unique that will help you stand out, but it also can’t be too long or difficult to say. Try to avoid something that could be construed as offensive or insensitive. You’ll also want to make sure the name isn’t already taken by another team in your area.

Once you’ve settled on a name, you can start working on creating a logo. This will be another one of your program’s key brands. The logo should be simple and easy to reproduce in various colors and mediums (for t-shirts, hats, etc.). Again, try to avoid anything offensive or too complicated. A good rule of thumb is that if someone can’t look at your logo for more than a few seconds and understand what it represents, it’s probably too complicated.

Step 2: Create a budget

The next step in starting your own AAU baseball team is to create a budget. You will need to factor in the costs of equipment, uniforms, travel, and tournament fees. It is important to be realistic about what you can afford and to set aside enough money to cover unexpected expenses.

Once you have an idea of how much money you will need to get started, you can start fundraisers or look for sponsors to help offset the costs. There are many companies and organizations that are willing to support AAU baseball teams. You can also look into grants or other forms of financial assistance.

Step 2: Create a budget

Step 3: Choose a coach

Think about who will coach the team. An experienced coach can be a valuable asset, but someone with less experience may be easier to work with. You may also want to consider the coaching style of each potential coach. If you have a good relationship with the coach, it will be easier to communicate and get along.

Step 4: Register your team with AAU

The next step is to register your team with AAU. You can do this by filling out the online form or by calling the AAU office. There is a fee for registering your team, and you will need to provide some basic information about your team, including the name, contact information, and age group of your players. You will also need to create a team account on the AAU website.

Step 5: Find players for your team

Now that you have your team’s name, logo, and colors, it’s time to find some players! Here are a few tips on how to build your team:

1. Start by reaching out to friends, family, and acquaintances who might be interested in playing.

2. Once you have a few players, reach out to local youth baseball leagues and inquire about holding tryouts or practices at their facilities.

3. Use social media to spread the word about your team. Create a Facebook page or Instagram account and post regularly about open practices, tryouts, and upcoming games.

4. Ask local high school or college baseball coaches if they have any players who might be interested in playing for your team.

5. Contact AAU Baseball district directors in your area and inquire about forming a partnership with them. This can be a great way to get access to additional resources and support.

Step 6: Schedule games and practices

The final step in starting your AAU baseball team is to schedule games and practices. You will need to decide how often you want to practice and how many games you want to play. You will also need to find other teams to play against.

You can use a variety of resources to find teams to play against, including online directories and the AAU website. You can also reach out to local baseball leagues and ask if they know of any teams that are looking for games.

Once you have found some potential opponents, you will need to contact them and work out a schedule. Typically, AAU baseball teams play between 10 and 20 games per season. You will need to decide on a start date and an end date for your season, as well as practice days and times.

Finally, you will need to purchase insurance for your team. This is typically done through the AAU. Once you have taken care of all of the paperwork, you will be ready to start your AAU baseball team!

Conclusion

To sum it up, in order to start your own AAU baseball team, you will need to find interested players, create a schedule, and join an existing league. You will also need to raise money for uniforms, equipment, and tournament fees. Although it may seem like a lot of work, starting an AAU baseball team can be a great way to get involved in the sport and give back to the community.