Koa is a great program and I highly recommend!

Anonymous wrote:So does this mean its extremely difficult to make these travel teams?

It is often easy to make travel teams, particularly at 10U. However, here is what happens on established teams, all too often (beware): There are 8-9 permanent starters, with 3-4 kids added as “extras” to round out the roster. Those kids often see limited playing time, and have little hope of breaking into key positions etc regardless of skill. The extras are often not very happy with the situation- so those spots turn over regularly (usually every year) as kids come and go.

At 10U I’d be looking for either (1) a team where we know people…any contacts from school friends or rec ball friends who have moved to travel? (2) a team with paid non Dad coaches- harder to find at 10u or (3) a startup team.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you supposed to try out for multiple travel teams? Not sure how this all works.

It really depends on your situation. If there’s only one program of interest or one where his friends are, it’s fine to just go to one tryout. If you’re really unsure and/or not connected to the coaches, then go to multiple. Be wary of anything told to you before tryouts and try to avoid parent coached teams. People do not always give an accurate representation of the team.

For example, my son was invited to “practice” with a team to see if it would be good fit. We thought that sounded good and liked the coach. We were then told it was an open tryout. Okay fine. He went and was one of the better kids at the tryout. Got cut. When asked why, we were told they had a returning team and only added 2 kids. Not surprisingly, the 2 kids they kept had Dads on the field during tryouts.

This is literally ALWAYS the case on an established team. Always. Do not kid yourself that it is not.

The coach is looking for something very specific. If your kid doesn’t fit that, they won’t make the team unless they are Derek Jeter.

The coach isn’t going to put your kid that he doesn’t know ahead of the kid he has coached and seen in many situations.

As it should be. I always tell our kids, regardless of sport, that at a minimum they need to be better than a starter if they want to make the team. Coaches are not going to cut established players to fill bench spots

So does this mean its extremely difficult to make these travel teams?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you supposed to try out for multiple travel teams? Not sure how this all works.

It really depends on your situation. If there’s only one program of interest or one where his friends are, it’s fine to just go to one tryout. If you’re really unsure and/or not connected to the coaches, then go to multiple. Be wary of anything told to you before tryouts and try to avoid parent coached teams. People do not always give an accurate representation of the team.

For example, my son was invited to “practice” with a team to see if it would be good fit. We thought that sounded good and liked the coach. We were then told it was an open tryout. Okay fine. He went and was one of the better kids at the tryout. Got cut. When asked why, we were told they had a returning team and only added 2 kids. Not surprisingly, the 2 kids they kept had Dads on the field during tryouts.

This is literally ALWAYS the case on an established team. Always. Do not kid yourself that it is not.

The coach is looking for something very specific. If your kid doesn’t fit that, they won’t make the team unless they are Derek Jeter.

The coach isn’t going to put your kid that he doesn’t know ahead of the kid he has coached and seen in many situations.

Anonymous wrote:Are you supposed to try out for multiple travel teams? Not sure how this all works.

It really depends on your situation. If there’s only one program of interest or one where his friends are, it’s fine to just go to one tryout. If you’re really unsure and/or not connected to the coaches, then go to multiple. Be wary of anything told to you before tryouts and try to avoid parent coached teams. People do not always give an accurate representation of the team.

For example, my son was invited to “practice” with a team to see if it would be good fit. We thought that sounded good and liked the coach. We were then told it was an open tryout. Okay fine. He went and was one of the better kids at the tryout. Got cut. When asked why, we were told they had a returning team and only added 2 kids. Not surprisingly, the 2 kids they kept had Dads on the field during tryouts.

Are you supposed to try out for multiple travel teams? Not sure how this all works.

Thank you! - OP

Anonymous wrote:They are all fine at this age. Go with the one where kid’s friends are.

+1

Put him with his friends. He will have more fun (and easier to arrange carpools). Can always reevaluate after a year, if needed.

I don't think it's too late for fall. Maybe. I'm not familiar with DC, but some VA teams might still be looking for fall players and fall is more law key, so it would be a good time to start.

Mizuno Outaws:
Saturday, August 26th, 2023
​12:00pm-2:00pm
Dominion High School, 21326 Augusta Drive, Sterling, VA
​8U, 9U, 10U and 12U

​If you are unable to attend tryouts, email Jarrett Hood at
​Baseball@Perfect-PerformanceNOVA.com to schedule a private tryout!

https://www.diamondheroesbaseballinc.com/travel-teams

They might be looking for another player.

They are all fine at this age. Go with the one where kid’s friends are.

DC Dynasty fits your description. Great patient coaches, goal is to improve and play with integrity.

Wild Bill is also a solid program and has the right values and focus as an organization.

Win Within. Excellent program with a focus on integrity and sportsmanship.

I am looking for a travel team for our almost 10 year old son. We live in NW DC but are open to nearby VA/MD teams. While I do want it to be competitive I also don't want it to be cut throat. I know it's too late for the fall, so we are hoping to try out for spring. I would appreciate any recommendations.