Who and What is the NorCal Academy
What level(s) of play are offered
What travel is required and where are the tournaments?
Grade-based or Age-based program?
Who will be coaching the teams?
Will this team interfere with school teams?
How can I participate as a parent?
The NorCal Academy (NCA) is a Girls’ Basketball Club created under the direction of Sonoma County high school coaches and organized under the auspices of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). AAU is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer sports organizations in the United States and is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.
The Academy provides youth girls in the North Bay a quality basketball education through skill development, team concepts and game competition —all conducted in an environment that encourages sportsmanship and fosters positive personal growth.
The NCA was formed by Certified Varsity Coaches from Sonoma County high schools to establish a unified and inclusive girls basketball organization. The primary focus and direction is to: teach skills first, coach team play second, and compete third. The emphasis and intent of The Academy is clearly to develop ALL youth girls basketball players so they can realize their potential and improve their ability to contribute to their local youth programs. The Academy is committed to creating a safe and productive basketball learning environment.
The Academy welcomes players from 4th to 11th grades. The base program consists of 20 training sessions over a 10-week period, beginning in the Spring and continuing through the end of May. A Fall program is also being planned to accommodate kids preparing for their winter season.
The NorCal Academy offers two levels of play.
The Academy
All registered NCA players participate at this level. Coaches provide instruction on the skills, abilities and knowledge players will need to improve their game. Competition will consist primarily of local opportunities and league play within the program. This is also a good option for multi-sport kids trying to play other sports during the same season.
NCA Travel Team
This is an advanced tournament travel team that will compete in various
contests outside of local trainings and beyond skill-set sessions within The Academy level.
Selections will be made through player assessments during the program’s first week, coordinated by the NCA coaching committee. If there is enough interest to form multiple teams within each age group, it will be considered.
NCA travel teams will participate mainly within sites around the Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton and Reno throughout the spring season. Other opportunities may become available, based on tournament and player availability. Every effort will be made to attend trusted tournaments that expose players to quality competition.
The NCA program will be grade-based. This approach allows kids to play within their grade, as opposed to age-based. The Academy believes in allowing kids to match up with peers of their own level as well, so some slight adjustments based on talent level may occur within Academy sessions. Adjustments of this type will be reviewed and approved by the NCA Board.
The NCA is committed to placing quality coaches with teams and at practice gyms so that our players can excel. Coaches may change from season to season.
No! Every effort will be made not to interfere with summer HS programs. In addition, there will be no practices or league play during the winter basketball season so girls can continue to play on school-based teams with their school friends.
The cost of playing within the NCA will vary with the number and types of tournaments selected. The NCA is a Non-Profit Organization. While the cost varies from team to team, the structure is simple: Total expenses for each team will be divided (i.e., practice fees, tournament fees, equipment, uniform, AAU registration and coaching fees) by the number of players. Costs for travel teams will be shared within the travel program. All base fees will be disclosed prior to signing up. There ARE NO HIDDEN FEES. The NCA believes in keeping cost to a minimum and maximizing the experience for the kids. All participants must register at The Academy level, requiring a club fee of $250. To tryout for a travel team there is a non-refundable $25 fee. This does not guarantee placement on a travel team. Travel team costs are considered separate and additional, ranging from ($300 to $400). Funds will be collected at the beginning of the season, after the tournament schedules and practices have been confirmed.
As noted above, travel team costs are in addition to the base fee for The Academy program.
There are many ways that you as a parent or family members can help out with the team, such as:
Yes, for “travel team” opportunities. Tryouts will be held in the Mid-March timeframe. Exact times will be posted on the NCA website. Selection to a travel team will be by assessment committee recommendation and invitation from the coach only. Many players do not develop their true abilities at a younger age, so judging on basketball skill alone is not a very effective tool. The number of players on a team is a part of this equation. The Academy prefers that teams not exceed 10-12 players. If there is enough interest, forming multiple teams within each age group is a possibility.
No tryouts are necessary for players enlisting in “The Academy” level only trainings and competition. At the Academy level, we are committed to all 4th to 11th grade girls with reasonable athletic ability, an interest in basketball, and a coachable attitude.
The time commitment is to attend two practices a week in the Spring and to make every effort to play in all scheduled games, including holiday and tournaments competitions for travel team players. In addition, we ask that girls and their families make a genuine commitment to the team when they are invited to participate. Leaving a team mid-year will be considered a serious decision. Full commitment provides stability to the program and their teammates. The NCA strives to create a positive experience for young girls and team members to continue their interest in basketball well beyond their adolescent and teen years. Participation in an organized, well coached club team, maintains interest in basketball at an optimum level.