FAQs

Answers to Common Questions

WHAT IS CSF ABOUT?

We are an AAU program with competitive and development teams participating in local tournaments. We aim to be a bridge-builder using basketball to connect communities regardless of socio-economic background to teach the next generation that we are better together. We have kids who attend public and private schools here in Charlotte, practicing, connecting, and building with one another, sharing resources and life perspectives to help better learn more about one another.

 

Our four pillars are Race, Community, Sports, and Education, and we hope our teams, camps, and tournaments create an opportunity for our boys and girls to meet someone they wouldn’t usually meet.

WHO ARE CSF DIRECTORS AND COACHES?

All CSF coaches are former or current elite coaches. Coaches are hand-picked by our leadership team based on particular criteria. Coaches must pass background checks and must abide by strict CSF standards. Learn more about our coaches here.

WHAT IS THE MEMBERS-ONLY CLUB?

The members-only club is a 7-month or 10-month commitment and includes exclusive merch, discounts, extra training, practice gym time, tournament/league entry fees, coach’s salaries, and more. In addition, with the CSF membership, you can use that uniform for a calendar year before replacing it.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CSF SELECT AND DEVELOPMENT TEAMS?

Our select teams require a more extensive evaluation for basketball players looking to play in a more competitive team environment. The development teams focus on skill development and learning the game. We also offer 3 on 3 leagues (CYBL) to help beginners develop their skill set. Our 3 on 3 league starts at K-6th grade.

Both teams play in tournaments, and the select team may travel more to attract more exposure.

HOW DO I JOIN A SELECT CSF BASKETBALL TEAM?

Roster spots are earned each season through our evaluation process. We do not hold traditional tryouts, so we use our evaluation process to determine teams each season. We prioritize developing with the boys and girls we coach, and this process allows us to create continuity and connection.

DOES EVERYONE THAT ATTENDS EVALUATIONS MAKE THE TEAM?

YES!

However, roster spots are earned each season through our evaluation process. Once your child registers they will be on a team, but where they are placed will be determined on their evaluation performance. We do not hold traditional tryouts, so we use our evaluation process to determine teams each season. We prioritize developing with the boys and girls we coach, and this process allows us to create continuity and connection.

ARE CSF TEAMS AGE OR GRADE BASED?

We categorize our teams based on the players’ grades during tryouts.

HOW MANY AAU BASKETBALL TEAMS DO YOU HAVE PER GRADE?

CSF expects to field 1-2 teams per grade. If there are enough players at evaluations to create multiple teams in a single grade, the teams will typically be created according to skill level. We believe this allows players of different skill levels to maximize their practicing and playing time and, thus, their improvement.

DO YOU HAVE GIRL'S BASKETBALL TEAMS?

Yes! Our girl’s programming has grown from 8 girls in the Fall of ’22 to over 50 girls in K-7th grade entering the Fall of ’23 season. We will continue to make an effort to grow our girl’s program and to provide select and development teams, along with the 3 on 3 (CYBL) league for beginners.

IS A GEAR PACKAGE AND UNIFORM INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION?

Yes! Each player will receive a shooting shirt, reversible uniform top, and shorts for their registration. If you register for an AAU team you may get a bookbag.

HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK DO THE TEAMS PRACTICE?

Our teams will have two mandatory practices per week. Practices will be between 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. at a local gym in the West or South Charlotte areas, Monday-Friday, and repeat the same day, time, and location each week. In addition, CSF will run optional skill workouts every week in which players can attend as many or as few as they wish for an extra charge.

WHEN & WHERE ARE THE GAMES?

AAU tournaments in the Fall and Winter are held at Carolina Courts on Sunday at the Indian Trail location. We typically play two games each Sunday. AAU Tournaments in the Spring location vary, but we typically play Saturday and Sunday at Carolina Courts (Indian Trail). Spring tournaments have two games on Saturday, and single elimination bracket play on Sunday (meaning you could have 1-3 games on Sunday.

The CYBL 3 on 3 leagues are typically held at Movement (Ophelia Garmon-Brown Center) on Sundays.

DOES EVERYONE ON THE TEAM GET TO PLAY IN EACH GAME?

All players will get an opportunity to play in games, but the coach will determine the amount of playing time-based on practice, skill level, and putting the team in the best position to compete.

DO OUR CLUB BASKETBALL TEAMS TRAVEL?

Most of our Club Basketball Teams do not travel; we play locally at Carolina Courts in Indian Trail. Going into middle school, our select teams may occasionally travel to another city within reasonable driving distance, but they mostly play local events.

DOES IT COST TO TRY OUT?

The select teams have a tryout fee of $30 per participant.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE ON A TEAM?

CSF recognizes that being on a select or development team requires an investment in your athlete’s development, on and off the court. Therefore, we keep our pricing competitive for the area where we serve our children and try to offer our players the best-in-class coaching, facilities, and experience.

DO YOU ALL OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE TEAMS?

Yes! CSF has a limited amount of aid available. To apply, players must fill out the application on our website here—also, email sayhi@sportmodeone.com for more information.

I WANT TO LEARN MORE; HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

We encourage you to read our CSF deck, and if you want to learn more, schedule a call with Lawrence Gordon here.

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