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How To Start An AAU Basketball Team?

aau-certificationMany players and coaches in the game of basketball have participated in many organizations to gain recognition. There is one organization that has been recognized by the NCAA teams and many pro scouts, is the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The AAU is an organization that gives players of all ages in the United States a chance to showcase their potential in many events hosted by the AAU. This organization is recognized by teams from all over including internationally. The AAU has a history for being a huge part in many players career. AAU basketball leagues ranging from 8 & under to its senior league which player must be at least 19 years old. Many NBA players have gained exposure by participating in AAU like Allen Iverson (VA), Dwight Howard (GA), Patrick Ewing and many more NBA stars.

There are many advantages when it comes to starting your own AAU basketball team. Many AAU teams are coached by someone that has knowledge of the game such as a coach of local high school or former basketball player in your local area. Many AAU coaches got their teamed organized for a child and has continued to participate in AAU competition. There are many benefits that come with starting an AAU team if coaching is what you would like to do AAU is a good stepping stone to get exposure. There are many college scouts that attend AAU events scouting players for their program. In some instances many are there to observe the coach as well the players. By participating in AAU functions coaches and players have the chance to add new contacts to their basketball network. This is an experience for both the players and coaches that can take them to another level.

You must form a club name and apply for club membership with the AAU that ranges from $30 to $300. There is a maximum amount of 15 players and 4 non-athletes (coach, manage and personnel) that will represent your AAU team. Many coaches have multiple functions, for example the coach may also handle the administrative duties and also be a tournament director. There are fees that must be paid to obtain membership to the AAU. Membership prices range from $12 to $14 for athletes and $14 to $16 for non-athletes. There are also fees for participation in AAU Basketball tournaments (invitational, district, regional, national) that range from $150 to $600. When participating in the AAU you should consider searching for sponsors or holding fundraising events. Coaches also have to come up with funds that should cover uniforms, basketballs, travel expenses, a gymnasium for practice, and supplies. You can get supplies from your local sporting goods store that will possibly sponsor your team. So if considering starting an AAU team you are not only giving players an opportunity to play their favorite sport you will also be getting them the exposure they need.

Comments

  1. I’m in the process of starting a AAU boys U11basketball team. Believe it or not I’m having a hard time finding a coach with some AAU experience or at least someone who can teach the game and develop young players and take them to the next level.

    Do you have any recommendations?

    I’m in Clinton, MD (Washington, DC area).

  2. I recommend contacting universities or schools that have conducted summer basketball camps. They always have great local contacts to former players who are good coaches and good enough to work at their camp.

    Contact local coaches in the Maryland, DC area for former players who have coached or worked at their camps. There I’m sure you will find quality people.

  4. Hello im a new coach who knows the game very well. I am looking for girls 15 and under in the atlanta area. If interested send email. Also looking for sponsors or someone to give me more info about AAU.

  5. My name is Joel Childers and I am interested in starting and coaching an AAU team. I live in the Oklahoma City, OK area and I would appreciate any advice or any contacts that you might have for me in the OKC area. Thanks

  6. AAU is great for exposure. It’s been great for a lot of players over the years. I recommend it for any player or coach trying to get exposure. Check out our blog http://sosportz.blogspot.com. We’re also trying to help athletes gain exposure through interviews and videos.

  7. I want to start a 15 and under AAU boys team and a 11 and under girls aau team. My grandson has been in AAU and I am looking for a coach who is calm and can teach defense as well as offense. Defense is imparitive because I see a lot of teams that need defensive training.

    My purpose is looking for sponsors, Joining AAU and having year long practices. I will be working with the city to utilize a gym for regular practices.

    The team will be from Holyoke Massachusetts and I will be working with At Risk youths who will get a chance to show their talents.

  8. I want to start an AAU boys basketball team, but having a little trouble with getting information from other coaches in the Baton Rouge, LA area where I am from. I don’t know how the age group goes, I would like to do 14 to 17. I don’t want to have to change age groups every year. I have a kid that’s 14, 6″2 that i want to develop but also coach through his years. Can someone tell me the beginning stages of this process so I can have a team started this year. I want to be able to do national travelling next year, since it is so late in the game now.

  11. Our official website will be launching in August. To stay up to date with SoSportz, join our emailing list. For more information on SoSportz, here is the email contact: info@sosportz.com

  13. I am considering strating an AAU team in Massachusetts and would like input on what to charge players. Is there guidelines etc.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  14. Hello Joel childers I am a player looking for an aau team do you have a team yet??

  15. I was wondering the same thing as Billy. I need to find the forms to complete to get things started. Where can I find this info?

  16. I would like to start an AAU team in Florida and dont know how to go about doing it, can anyone give me information about how to get set up. Thanks.

  17. I am starting an aau team in vero beach, fl and looking for a coach with aau experience, good with children and love the game. We currently have a 7th grade boys team, 7th grade girls, 9th grade boys and 9th grade girls. if you are interested or know someone that is please email

  18. I’m interested in becoming a coach for you, Please send me an email so we can discuss what you are looking for in a coach. I currently live in West Palm Beach but, would be interest in giviging this a chance. Thats how much love I have for the kids learning the sport and playing.

  20. I”m coaching for youth for christ basketball league 14-18 boys team and would like to develope a AAU team in the near future in Rochester NY and western NY area. This is my first time doing coaching I would like to get more information about forming a AAU team.

  22. name is larry i was wondering can any one send information on how to start an aau organization i want to do at least 3 age groups 9u 10u 11u and 12u this way i can set a foundation of youth to grow i need info on start up fee what would i charge uniform information how to go about getting gym time etc.ive coached aau but as a coach i didnt really get into the know who part of starting an organization i am looking to start-up in cheseapeake/portsmouth va.

  23. Tamiko Robinson, I am in the Atlanta area and would like to talk with you. Please provide an email address.

  24. Hello, I’m interested in becoming a basketball coach, where are the forms to fill out?

  25. I am looking to start my coaching career as soon as possible. I am a former AAU player and High School player. I have experience coaching at many different levels. I would like to take my team nationally which resides out of Newark NJ. If anyone would like to be a part of this experience let me know! My goal is to be a powerhouse in AAU tornaments and make a name for my players and staff!

  26. I’m looking to gain coaching experience in boys or girls basketball, any age. I live in the Memphis area. If any coaches are looking for a assistant coach that is eager to learn and teach please contact me at stee7lers@gmail.com
    I really love the game and want to teach kids. Any info or contacts would be greatly appreciated.

  28. Hello! I have a 10 year son who is looking for a team. We live in Ada, OK. I have no problem driving him up to OKC for practice. I drive up once a week already for my daughter’s gymnastics. If anyone out there has any information, please email me: turtlelegs3@hotmail.com.

    Joel Childers – were you ever able to get a team started? If so, what age?

  32. Hello Players,
    Need 7th grade boys to try-out for AAU team and any interested experienced interested Coach for this SPRING 2011 in Mansfield Ma . Great facilities! Please check out our web site!

  33. please let me know when anyone needs a coach to coach Basketball call me and im really considering coaching .email me i have played against some nba players but we played in high school and aau. Calbert cheney,walter mccarty,and some great players and coaches Brad brownell,chris lowery to name a few i played against in high school. jrmmeriweather@yahoo.com

  35. Hey everyone,

    I am interested in started up an AAU team up in North Jersey. I was wondering if anybody had anymore info about how get it up and running or if anybody could help me out?
    my email is russjean@warwick.net.

    Thanks a lot,
    Danny

  37. Does anyone need a player in Pennsylvania? Can anyone tell my how coaches choose players, it can’t be on skill?

  41. I have been asked to start up (coach) an u/15 AAU basket ball team. How do I go about it? Do I need some kind of coaching accreditation? and if so how do I go about getting it.

  43. Hello, I’m looking to join an AAU team for 15 year old 9th grade boys basketball in Orlando, FL.

  45. Hello,

    I’m looking for a team my 9 yr old daughter can play for with AAU team in the Baton Rouge, LA area. I am also interested in coaching or assisting as well.

    Any information is greatly appreciated.

    I can be reached at djackson5860@yahoo.com

  46. Hello,

    I am a former WNBA/European women’s basketball player. I am looking to start an AAU program in the North Georgia Area (Alpharetta up to Dawsonville). 18U, 16U and 14U (Girls). Please let me know if you know of any girls that might be looking for a team.

  47. A local high school coach has started an AAU team of boys from the school and boys as young as 11 in the school district. There are five teams from fifth to ninth grade.. It is used to train boys in the school district for the high school school team. Boys who live in the school district, but go to private schools have been allowed to,join, they are just not treated as well as students from the school and are never used as key players. The only kids chosen for the 9th grade AAU team are those the coach wants on his high school team. As they progress up from fifth grade, they are eliminated each year according to their potential as a high school player. AAU tournaments are part of the process of training and elimination for a varsity team. They use the school facilities to practice and I suspect that they are getting funding from the school. Is this the future of AAU basketball? How long before other coaches are doing the same thing and will the kids who are not potential varsity players have an AAU team to play on?

  49. I want to start my own AAU team from ages 6-9 and 11-13 boys. I want to share my talent with them and also i want them to have something positive to do. I also have experience in coaching and im a great coach so now i need to know do i need to be certified to be a AAU coach. Also i have been working with 11boys at the courts on 17th and franklin showing them fundamentals. Im in Indpls, In

  50. Hello everyone,
    I am a basketball lover, former Boys Club coach for countless years and St Jerome’s/ DeMatha alumni from Hyattsville, Md. Today,
    I am looking for a local AAU Coach that would like to participate in a basketball tournament here to raise money for a Cancer patient and his family struggling financially. This patient is the main breadwinner in his family and works for his local fire department in West Virginia. He also volunteers for FEMA and goes away with them for many weeks to help others.
    I need 1 AAU Coach that would like to play in our tournament and recruit the competitive teams.
    I will take care of the Gym, Refs (I’m a trained IAABO Ref), and other social marketing.
    If this is you, or you know a AAU Coach that would like to do this, please call me direct at 301-395-9826, Gary Cullen.
    This tournament can dovetail to your existing summer schedule if needed. The cause is pure and we will all get back more than we give. Thanks

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