Anonymous wrote:AAU parents of Established AAU players have networks that help them find their next team. Best way to start and build your network is to hang around at practices to talk with other parents, and go to games earlier enough to chat with and meet new parents, and finally offer to help your team coach or organization. Also introduce yourself and your kid to other coaches (opposing teams) after games, and you may get an invitation to join a practice.
My son—small but talented guard and sharp shooter—has been added to DMV team rosters based on his solid’s reputation but also my mine (as a former team manager). Otherwise he may not have stood out enough amongst a sea of similar qualified small guards. When younger, he played season for the top 2 DMV teams often mentioned in this forum. Now he plays for a smaller organization but he earned the spot because a former coach gave him (and me) a glowing recommendation to the coaches.
My son is continuing with his current (now sponsored) team but if he decides to leave, we have unsolicited offers from two other well known teams (no tryouts necessary).
One more thing — we are non sporty basketball parents who’ve never played any competitive sports (we were bank geeks). we just read a lot and asked lots of questions and networked, when we realized our son wanted to become a baller!
I am the OP. Thanks for this. We are just starting out and this is very helpful.