Frequently Asked Questions
General Program Information
AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball is a competitive program designed to provide players with opportunities to develop their skills, compete at a high level, and gain exposure to advanced competition.
Arsenal focuses on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We aim to help players improve on and off the court with experienced coaching and a supportive environment.
We offer teams for boys and girls from elementary through high school, welcoming players of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Teams are formed based on the availability of players and coaches, with a focus on maintaining quality and providing the best possible experience for every athlete.
The Fall season consists of 5 weekend tournaments between the end of September and the beginning of November. Our Spring season consists of 7 tournaments between March and June and may include an out-of-state tournament (either CT or New York). During the spring, our Elite Puma-sponsored teams will have more extensive travel options (requirements vary by grade) that will be communicated to players and their families beforehand.
Registration and Tryouts
To register your child for tryouts, visit our Tryout Event page and complete the registration form. If you’ve missed the tryout dates, email us about alternative evaluation opportunities, if available. There is a $30 tryout fee, which will be credited toward your Arsenal dues if your child is invited to join a team. We typically host 2-3 tryout sessions each season to accommodate all interested players.
While athletes are only required to attend one tryout session, we welcome athletes to participate in additional sessions at no extra cost. Please be sure to bring back the tryout number received during the first session.
After check-in, athletes will be directed to their designated area based on grade and team. Tryouts consist of skill drills, scrimmages, and evaluations conducted by our coaching staff. Players are assessed on their skill level, effort, and attitude.
We provide development opportunities for all players. Those ready for tournament-level play at the AAU level are invited to join our team program. For players not placed on a team or those looking to enhance their skills, we offer additional development programs, including skills training, clinics, camps, and private or small group sessions. These opportunities are available to both team members and non-team players.
Families will be notified within 1-2 weeks of the tryout via email. Players should make a decision within 48-hours, and confirm by submitting either their initial deposit or season tuition in full via the link in their invitation email. Only online payments will be accepted. (Cash, Check, Venmo or Cash App is no longer accepted). We accept all major credit cards, several pay-over-time options and in-house payment plans.
Practices and Games
Teams typically practice 2 times per week with the option of attending any of our Skills and Drills sessions which are held 3 times per week (a $200- value included in your Arsenal Membership).
Practices are held at various gyms in the area including but not limited to Methuen, North Andover and Salem, NH. Specific details will be shared in the team schedule.
The fall season includes five weekend tournaments between late September and early November, while the spring season features seven weekend tournaments from March to June. At the start of the season, your Arsenal coach or staff will provide a complete tournament schedule, which is subject to change, to help you plan ahead. Arsenal teams compete on Saturdays and Sundays, typically playing three games with the possibility of advancing to semi-final and championship rounds. Tournaments are organized by third-party organizations that usually charge a spectator entrance fee. Brackets and schedules are shared via the Tourney App by Thursday before each tournament, though updates may occur through Friday.
Most tournaments are within a 45-minute to 1-hour travel radius, with some teams participating in one out-of-state tournament during the spring. Our elite Puma-sponsored teams may have more extensive travel schedules, depending on the grade level, which will be communicated to families prior to joining the team.
Costs and Commitment
The cost varies per season based on the number of tournaments. Our program dues include tournament fees, coaches stipends, uniforms, and practice facilities. Additional costs (e.g., tournament spectator fees, lodging for out-of-state tournaments) are the responsibility of families. Please contact us at arsenalaau@wsdbasketball.com for more details.
When a player joins an Arsenal team, they receive a full uniform at no cost to the family, which is theirs to keep at the end of the season. Most seasons feature a fresh uniform design to keep our teams looking sharp. Players can choose their top three preferred jersey numbers, and while we do our best to assign their first choice, specific numbers cannot be guaranteed.
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans through AfterPay, Affirm and Klarna during checkout as well as an internal Arsenal payment plan option (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly). Please contact us at arsenalaau@wsdbasketball.com for more details.
The program requires consistent attendance at practices, and tournaments. Families should plan for 2 practices each week lasting approximately 1-1.5 hours each and about 3- games per weekend.