SOM Cougars - 11U Travel Program

 

Expectations for Participation

The travel program is a three season commitment, and it is expected that families will participate in all three seasons. Having said this, we will consider exceptions on a case by case basis for kids who have other commitments.

Parent Coaches

All of the parent coaches who were involved in 2024 will be returning to run the program in 2025. Coach placement will depend on player placement between the teams. For questions, contact Dave Amerikaner at damerikaner@gmail.com.

Tryouts

    • Dates: Monday December 2nd (4:00 to 5:15) and Thursday December 5th (you will sign up for a specific slot.)
    • Location: Monday December 2 at West Orange Armory. Thursday December 5 at Dingers
    • Ages of Eligibility: 11u Players must be born between May 1st, 2013 - April 30th 2014
    • What to Bring: Glove, bats, helmets, water, tennis shoes (baseball pants optional)
    • Sign-Up: Here is the link to the sign up form
    • Tryout Fee: Free
  • Not all players who try out are guaranteed places on a travel team.  We will offer spots to as many as 12-13 players if there are enough players for one team, and up to 24-25 players if there are enough players for two teams.

Winter Training

  • Duration: January 6th - March 24th (12 weeks)
  • Schedule:
    • Mondays: 5:15 - 6:30 PM at Soccer Palace, West Orange
    • Wednesdays: 6:00 - 7:30 PM at Dingers NJ
  • Coach: Coach Chris Henry
  • Cost: approximately $520-$550 (please note this cost assumes we have a full 25 participants. It may be slightly more if we have fewer participants)

Spring Season Travel

  • Teams: Red and Black teams, 12-13 players each
  • League: USABL  Division (TBD) or similar Town Travel League 
  • Schedule:
    • Games: 1-2 Games Per Week on Weekends (typically Sundays)
    • Practices: 1x per week
    • Season Start: Late March / Early April
    • Season End: Early June
  • Coaching: Coach Henry 
  • Cost: ~$600 (Registration through SOM Boosters)

Spring Rec Baseball (Required for Travel Players)

  • Registration will begin in January through South Orange Rec
  • All 11U travel players should “play up” to the M70 division 
  • Games on Saturdays and one midweek game, plus up to one practice per week

Summer Travel Season

  • League: New Providence League NPGL Baseball
  • Teams: Red (in the Gold or Green League) and Black (in the Green or Gray League)
    • Red Team: Participates in Cal Ripken Tournament
    • Black Team: Participates in a separate weekend tournament
  • Schedule:
    • League Start: ~June 9
    • League End: As late as July 27
    • Ripken Tournament is typically mid June (Red Team)
    • Games are Typically Monday-Friday, not on weekends
    • 2-3 Games per week + 1 practice minimum
  • Coaching:  Parent Volunteer Coaches
  • Cost: ~$300 (Registration through SO Rec)