YEDA Spring/Summer
Basketball Travel Team Tryouts
More Than Basketball, A Pathway to Growth and Leadership
About the Summer Travel Basketball Team
The YEDA Spring and Summer Travel Basketball Team is a youth development program, not just a competitive sports team.
While players compete at a high level and build discipline, leadership, and on court skills, what truly sets this program apart is its emphasis on personal growth beyond basketball.
Athletes participate in multiple developmental initiatives that provide exposure to college life and help shape them into confident, well rounded young adults.
This program is not just about winning games, it is about preparing student-athletes for long-term success.
We require our players to:
Maintain acceptable academic performance.
Participate in 3 mental health & wellness workshops during the season.
Attend our 4-day, 3-night college tour and skills session in Carbondale.
Complete four hours of community service.
Actively participate in fundraising efforts to help offset program costs.
Season Snapshot
► Boys in grades 5 through 10
► 9 or more competitive tournaments across the Midwest
► One national destination tournament (ex. Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Orlando)
► Twice-weekly practices focused on development and team play
► Academic accountability with tutoring support if needed
► Required participation in select wellness and development activities
► Fundraising available to cover the entire program fee! (see below)
Life on the YEDA Travel Team
Travel weekends. Competitive games. Team bonding. College Tours. Real memories.
2026 Travel Team Tryouts
Tryouts are the first step to joining the YEDA Summer Travel Basketball Team. Coaches evaluate skill level, effort, coachability, and overall team fit.
Date & Times
February 22, 2026
1:00-2:15 5-6th Grade
2:30-4:00 7-8th Grade
4:15-5:45 9-11th Grade
Cost
$25 per athlete
Location
Glenwood Academy
500 W 187th Street
Glenwood, IL 60425
What's Included
Registration & YEDA t-shirt.
Eligibility
Boys 5th-11th Grade
What to Bring
Athletic clothing and shoes, water and a positive attitude
Program Cost & Fundraising
Fundraising opportunities and group accommodations are available to help offset additional travel expenses, ensuring every dollar contributes to making this opportunity accessible and impactful.
Program Cost & Payment Options
Total Program Cost
$925 per player
Split Payment Option
$350 due in March
$288 due May 1
$287 due June 1
Program fee covers player tournament fees, practices, uniform deposits and lodging for the trip to Carbondale only.
All other travel, lodging, meals, and spectator entry fees are the responsibility of parents.
Fundraising & Travel Support
THIS PROGRAM COULD BE FREE IF YOU RAISE ENOUGH FUNDS!
YEDA offers a unique fundraising opportunity for parents to help offset program fees and travel costs with no cap on how much your can raise!
Parents receive 70% of funds raised in the form of a check near the end of the season to reimburse program fees and help cover travel expenses. The remaining 30% supports YEDA operating costs, helping keep program fees affordable for all.
This means that if you raise $1350, you would get back the entire cost of the program!
Additional Costs:
Parents are responsible for hotel stays (group rates will be provided after registration), tournament spectator entry fees ($15–$30/event), and personal travel expenses such as food and gas.
Important Notes
Registration and deposit must be completed within 10 days of acceptance to secure your child’s spot. Players with unpaid balances will not be eligible to participate in games until payments are made in full.
What the Season Looks Like
Building Student Athletes
YEDA athletes are required to maintain academic standards with no failing grades. Tutoring support is provided when needed. Players who fall below academic expectations will be suspended from competition until grades improve.
Tournaments
Teams compete in 9 or more tournaments throughout the Midwest (hotel stays required), plus a national destination tournament in locations such as Las Vegas, Orland Florida, or Myrtle Beach, SC.
Parent Involvement
This is a travel program and requires a strong family commitment. Parents are responsible for transportation to practices, games, and tournaments.
Practice Schedule
Teams practice twice per week. Consistent attendance is expected so players are prepared for competition.
College Tour & Skills Sessions
Athletes are expected to attend our 4-day, 3-night college tour and skills training session trip to Carbondale, Illinois. Athletes will get to experience what college life looks like, staying at the dorms, being trained by college coaches, and seeing life outside their community. Lodging is included in the cost of the trip.
Travel Team Handbook
Before committing, families must review the YEDA Travel Basketball Team Handbook, which outlines:
Player expectations and attendance requirements.
Parent responsibilities and communication guidelines.
Fundraising details, uniform information and more.
All parents and players are required to review and sign the handbook after registration at the parent's meeting.
More Than Basketball
YEDA athletes are exposed to leadership and development opportunities throughout the season, including:
Renewed Life student workshops focused on goal setting, personal growth and mental health.
College exposure opportunities for older players.
Optional leadership roles such as development league referee, assistant, or peer mentor.
Opportunities for community service hours.
These experiences help players grow as leaders, teammates, and young adults.
Hear From Our Families
Being part of the YEDA Travel Team helped my son grow in ways I did not expect. He loved the competition and the coaching, but what stood out most were the extra experiences, especially the goal setting workshop and the college trip. Those moments gave him a new perspective and played a big role in the young man he is becoming.
JoJo P.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your child is ready to compete, grow, and be challenged, we would love to see them at tryouts.