Competing at different levels
Club, AAU and traveling all have different meanings when it comes to sports. There is also a different level of dedication, skill, time and financial commitment that are associated with each level. Sports are meant to initially be fun, and they are always about learning. but as your child reaches adolescence their habits in and off the field become important.
Club and local teams are meant to be the introduction of sports to all kids. No matter then age division, there will always be a huge gap in the better and newer kids in the league. Coaches should be playing everyone and teaching the basics of the sport, so they have a foundation of rules, positions and basic strategy. There is only one season a year, usually one 1 hour practice a week and probably close to your home. This league gives out participation trophies and should truly be about everyone getting better. This is where most kids start.
AAU has transformed into a whole new animal. It seems like there may be more AAU teams than club teams these days. At an early age, if your child is some of the best in the league, it may be beneficial to have them try multiple sports at a young age to find one that may just spark your child’s interest and meet their talents. I am going to say it, “AAU should be for more skilled players, not everyone.” As a parent and athlete, the choice is yours, but camps, training and good old hard work may do them better than riding the bench on an AAU team.
While many may believe AAU is a travel team, there are travel teams being built these days just to go across the country and compete with the best competition. Your athlete may qualify for Team USA or the Olympics, which brings the idea of travel, funding and dedication to a whole new level. Traveling teams give your kid a taste of what it is like to be a college and professional athlete. Taking a flight for a tournament, staying in hotel rooms, sightseeing in a whole new city and possibly taking in a whole new culture, but still having to take care of business prepares your child for the next level.
The cultural and social aspects of athletes competing in the out of country events are immeasurable. Your athlete may come back speaking an entirely different language and with a palette to eat foods you have never heard of. You athlete will learn that in sports the love of the game needs no translation. If possible, make these types of experiences happen for your athlete so they can broaden the view or the world and sports especially being able to see how they can carve out their own little space.
No matter what the level, sports are an opportunity for your child to gain so many memories and experiences. Clu sports are where most kids should start. Don’t feel pressured to join AAU or travel teams until your child is competing well enough to play. Every chance to do something different with your child will open them up to more extraordinary opportunities.