The North Alabama Kraze is fielding teams in 8U through 18U in the Shoals area. Several of the Kraze teams are still looking for players. There are also other teams in different age groups in the area. The Kraze organization hopes to host at least one tournament in the area this spring/summer, hopefully at the new sports complex if it's ready. Check out the 14U teams web page at:
LinkJust to give you some idea of what a major tournament can do for the area, Montgomery, Alabama hosted the ASA 12U nationals this past July. They had over 70 teams from all across the United States attend Sunday through Sunday. Most teams average 12 players who's families also attend. For each team they require 12 - 14 hotel rooms for players and other family members, they eat out two or three meals each day and sightsee while not playing. For many this year end tournament is their family's vacation. Even the regular season tournaments are usually Friday through Sunday and can have 50 or more teams of which as many as half will stay in town at a local hotel for the weekend. They eat out, shop and sightsee some while here. The teams pay entry fees which pay the city parks for use of the fields, ground crews to get the fields ready between games and umpires not to mention concession stand workers and other support staff. It's big money for a city to host these tournaments. But don't worry, if the Shoals area isn't interested in hosting these I'm sure Athens, Madison, Decatur, Cullman and Huntsville will be glad to.