Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 November 2010 20:09

ACADEMY TEAM'S FAQ's

Q. What is an Academy Team?

The philosophy of our Academy Teams Program is based on Player and Personal Development. Our goal as a coaching staff is to help players improve everyday by using our knowledge of baseball from collegiate and professional baseball and professional instruction to teach players how to play the game. Our Academy Teams Coaching Staff is made up of professional baseball instructors who teach baseball everyday and know how to train, condition, prepare, and push players to reach their maximum potential.

Instruction in our program uses a combination of one-on-one instruction, indoor training, position specific practice, classroom lecture, testing, SQA, strength and conditioning programs and of course team practice on the field. Controlled scrimmage is used as an asset for game-time instruction and to prepare for a competitive 10 tournament schedule in which we will play a minimum of 40 baseball games through out the season.

Both players and coaches in our program work very hard to develop players to reach their maximum potential in every season and improve upon the previous year in their journey to play baseball at the next level. Our first group of Academy Players will graduate high school in 2014 and we look forward to marketing them to college baseball and giving them an opportunity to extend their careers to play baseball at the collegiate level. Want to know more? What to know more? Check out our Academy Team Page or read our Testimonial Page.

Q. how does NW Diamond Sports differ from teams in other organizations?

NW Diamond Sports Acedemy Teams are assembled strictly for the sake of player development. Our structured progression and plans for development are designed to teach fundamentals, develop skill, create character, and provide players with a complete and well-rounded knowlegde of the game - all of which is done with long-term goals in mind.

Q.How do Academy Players train in your program?

We believe an academy program should be structured with players' futures in mind and preparation is the key to our success. Our players are taught an approach to the game in Classroom Settings where we teach a breakdown of fundmantals, game strategy, and baseball philosophy. We also teach Position Specific Training where players can focus on skills and mental approach specific to their position on the field. We believe it is essential to provide a knowledge base where players can apply their physical strengths, skills, and abilities. We believe our hard work, attention to detail, extensive preparation, and competitive tournament schedule are key features of development in our program.

Q. What does NWDS look for in a prospective player?

Primarily: When drafting teams our staff looks for players with a passion for the game. We believe in players that work hard, want to learn, and will give their best effort every time they step onto the field. Players that are well-disciplined, coachable, and flat out love to play the game are always at the top of our list.

Secondly: Players should possess a basic skill set that NWDS Staff members believe can be developed to facilitate success in tournament baseball (the last thing we want to do is put a player in a position of failure or intesnse struggle).

The evaluation of a player's competency to participate in the program will be based solely on the critique of the NWDS Staff (competency will not be based on or influenced by peer or parental opinions).

Q. How many players do you keep on a roster?

Our teams roster at most 11 players and most teams carry only 10 in order to maximize game experience for each individual player. Each team will also have a list of "alternative players" who will participate in some practices and fill in should a full-time player not be able to participate in a practice or tournament.

Q. What is the total cost of the program? Are there hidden costs?

Obviously costs vary per program but typically range from $1,700 (short-season) to $4,800 (6 month development program). In the past our full season (6 month program) costs have been between $4,900 to $5,200. We are working to cut costs for our players and their families and expect to be able to do so.

Payment can be made in full or by payment plan (2 down payments required). All families are expected to cover their own travel expenses including gas, food, lodging to and from tournaments.

Q. Where do you practice and/or play in tournaments?

Practices will be held indoors at the NW Diamond Sports Academy and on baseball fields local to the Wilsonville area. Many of our tournaments are in the central Washington area and sometimes range to southern Oregon and northern California. We will work hard to find competitive tournaments closer to home to keep associated travel costs down for families in our program.

Q.When do you practice and what kind of time commitments are expected for players and their families?

Practices start in February (full season players) and August (short and extended season programs). Players will practice on average twice weekly and play an average of 2 tournaments per month. Weekday practices start around 7pm at the academy (while players are in school), weekend and summer practice times vary but typically commence in mid-morning or early afternoon.

Tournament play will start in April for full season players. Tournament play is typically Saturday/Sunday, Friday evening play is required on occasion.

Q. This is an investment for our family... Do you offer financing, fundraising, or scholarships?

Yes, all families have the option to set up payment plans, the option to fundraise, and some scholarship funds are available. Payment plans require 2 down payments to cover team start-up costs. We encourage players to fundraise as part of "earning their way" in the program. Scholarships are offered to those players who need it most.