Hey all,
I'm a coach in 10u, and I've been coaching for about 4 years, 7 total seasons (including fall ball). I just wrapped up my first Allstars season, and it was a blast. We had the "developmental" team, and the improvement I saw over the 3 weeks we had together was huge. We even managed to win a game (took almost 4 hours to go 6 innings, but we got the W).
During my time as a coach, I've had a LOT of players come and go to/from different teams, but one thing has been constant - the players and their parents would like more time together. They also seem to be excited when they're assigned to my team.
That has led me to the idea of starting an off-season "sandlot club", open to any and all players. Drills, scrimmages, situational lessons, batting practice.. you name it. The goal would be development and continuing to have fun on the field.
I assume safety waivers will be super important, and figuring out the location to do this consistently will be tricky, but I already have a few ideas.
My question is - what am I not thinking of? Has anyone tried something like this before? I don't want to try and make this like a travel ball team, and it wouldn't even be a team.. just kids who love the sport being given an opportunity to continue outside of structured league activities. If anyone has advice, or thoughts on how to put something like this together, I'm all ears.
Thanks!