AEF FAMILY FIRST!
Welcome to our NEW and IMPROVED “FAMILY FIRST” Program! Current players can register BY FEB 28TH for the 2025-2026 Fall/Winter season to guarantee their placement on an AEF team next fall (Please note that players are not guaranteed a spot on the same level team as this current year and must attend the AEF Player Evaluation / Team Placement Camp in August for accurate roster placement.)
REGISTER NOW to receive the following EXTRA BENEFITS:
- Discounted Season Fees! Save $150 per athlete if you register by Feb 28th
- Free subscription to the AEF Training App for the Spring and Summer! ($200 value!)
- Free skills camp (for AEF athletes only) the week of June 2nd – 5th
- Free Open Gym sessions throughout the spring and summer
- 20% discount on (most) additional AEF programs
- Opportunity to invite family and friends to participate in the FAMILY FIRST program. Afterall, YOUR family is OUR family!
AEF Academy works with families that need financial assistance and/or alternate payment plans.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the AEF Volunteer Credit Program!
The AEF Way...
CULTURE: AEF Academy takes a culture-driven approach to youth basketball that transcends wins and losses We foster teamwork and accountability, providing opportunities for athletes to build strong bonds and communicate effectively. Players learn to embrace challenges, support each other through setbacks, and celebrate individual and collective successes. This positive environment builds confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic, qualities that extend far beyond the basketball court and contribute to every athlete’s overall personal and social development.
COACHES: Player and team development begins with the coach! In addition to being skilled and knowledgeable, AEF coaches communicate positively with our athletes, turning mistakes made into immediate learning opportunities. Our coaches are under the direct supervision of Coach Beck and are evaluated multiple times throughout each season. AEF Skills Instructors also take an active role in training our coaches, both on the practice court and on player benches, providing constructive feedback on a continual basis. All AEF coaches must pass a background screening and complete our Abuse Prevention Program prior to taking the court.
PRACTICES: Practice is held twice per week for 90 minutes each and is led by trained AEF Skills Coordinators on each court, with athletes and their coaches rotating every 30 minutes. This structure facilitates the improvement of every athlete in three areas of the game: skill work, transition principles, and specific team-time. EVERYONE LEARNS the same skills and concepts, no matter what team they are on. We promote a progressive curriculum with a strong emphasis on strengthening each athlete’s skill set, which in turn builds confidence. AEF athletes can expect to dramatically increase their skill level and understanding of the game, giving them an edge over other athletes.
WEDNESDAY SKILL SESSIONS: AEF believes strongly that time on the practice court is greater than time spent competing when it comes to player and team development. To increase opportunities for court time, we run OPEN SKILL SESSIONS on WEDNESDAY NIGHTS during the season. These skill sessions are optional, but highly encouraged!
COMPETITION – All AEF Academy teams play a competitive game schedule, with the number of games dependent on grade level.
- 2nd/3rd grades – 22-24 games, with league play in the fall and winter seasons, as well as a couple of local tournaments.
- 4th/5th grades – 26-28 games; League and Tournament combination; 1 travel tournament for most teams
- 6th/7th/8th grade – 30-34 games; League and Tournament combination; 1-2 travel tournaments
For tournaments that require travel, families are responsible for getting their athletes to tournaments, as well as for their accommodations and meals.
