2026–2027 Tournament Teams
In June 2025, the Avonworth Athletic Association voted to update its by-laws and introduce full-year tournament teams. Now entering its second year, the program fields one team (or more, depending on interest) per age group, competing from September through August.
Our Fall and Spring in-house programs remain unchanged and continue to welcome players of all skill levels. This format affects only our tournament teams.
About the Teams
Tournament Teams are competitive and intended for players ready to make a deeper commitment to baseball through year-round practices, games, and local/regional tournaments.
- Each team will stay together from September 2026 through August 2027.
- Schedules will vary by team and be set by the coaches.
- Registration cost: $500–$600, which covers:
- 2 jerseys
- A hat
- Entry into four summer tournaments
- Indoor training fees
This amount may increase depending upon head coaches who choose to enter more tournaments or participate in more indoor training.
What to Expect Through the Year
- September–October: Possible entry into fall tournaments at head coach's discretion
- November–December: Typically quiet with little to no training
- January–March: 6–8 indoor practice sessions; teams may also participate in indoor wooden bat leagues
- April–May: Typically one practice or game per week, with possibly 2 tournaments, while in-house season is in session
- June–August: Tournaments and practices at head coach's discretion
Volunteer Coaching Eligibility
All coaches with valid clearances will be considered eligible for head and assistant coaching roles. Final head coach selections will be made by the board. This program takes time and energy to create a positive experience for our young players, and it won't be successful without the knowledge, skills, and commitment of our volunteer coaches. If you're interested in coaching, please register.
Skills Assessments
Skills assessments will be held in early August (specific dates TBD). Each player attends one session. These assessments are one of several factors considered in team selection. If your player is unavailable, they will still be considered. There will not be any make-up dates, as assessments are optional.
Team Selection Process
Players are selected by a vote of in-house and tournament team head coaches for each age group. Each age group has a separate selection meeting where coaches:
- Discuss every player under consideration
- Review evaluation data and direct observations
- Use four sources for voting:
- Input from the player's head coach
- End-of-season player evaluations
- Firsthand coach observations
- Summer assessment scores (if applicable)
Selection meetings are held separately by age group. We take pride in the fairness and integrity of this process — especially at age levels where, due to high interest, not every player will make the team.
Eligibility by Birthdate
| Division |
Birthdate Range |
| 12U |
May 1, 2014 – Sep 1, 2015 |
| 11U |
May 1, 2015 – Sep 1, 2016 |
| 10U |
May 1, 2016 – Sep 1, 2017 |
| 9U |
May 1, 2017 – Sep 1, 2018 |
| 8U |
May 1, 2018 – Sep 1, 2019 |
Players younger than 8U are not eligible for Tournament Teams.
Key Dates
- Registration Open: June 1 – June 30, 2026
- Assessment Dates: Early August 2026 (TBD — each player attends one session)
- Team Selections Finalized: Early September
- Winter Training & Games: Frequency and timing determined by head coaches. These will not interfere with Fall or Spring in-house seasons.
Contact
Avonworth Athletic Association
Email: [email protected]