Summertime is right around the corner and, with that, comes the bulk of AAU national championship season. The AAU is constantly adding new events and new competition opportunities for youth athletes and, in recent years, a larger focus has been placed on developing the whole event – not just organizing a tournament. Complete with social responsibility initiatives and unique family vacation opportunities, take a look at the 18 AAU events you are not going to want to miss in 2018.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Nov. 21, 2017) – The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has rolled out an online tool to provide content and resourceful information aimed to help parents navigate their youth basketball journey, the Union announced today.

The wooden cross on the side of the road is a daily reminder for Kelsey Niccum.

“Sometimes I just go there and cry,” Niccum said.

In October 2015, Niccum lost her 17-year-old best friend, Emilie Harnish, in a tragic two-vehicle accident at a rural intersection in Indiana not far from Niccum’s family home in Wabash County. Nearly two years since that tragic day, Niccum wears her friend’s number and initials on her knee pads as a way to keep her friend close while playing the sport they both loved. She and her teammates at Grant County Volleyball Club keep Emilie alive by sharing stories of her selflessness and genuine love for others.

AAU REACHES THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH LEGENDARY OLYMPIC CHAMPION CARL LEWIS’ TRAINING PROGRAM THE PERFECT METHOD TO BOLSTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR COACHES AND ATHLETES

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 15, 2017) – The title of top amateur athlete in America is up for debate this week, as seven deserving finalists – Wisconsin volleyball All-American Lauren Carlini, judo Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison,  gold medalist gymnast, Laurie Hernandez, water polo gold medalist Ashleigh Johnson,  target shooter Ginny Thrasher who also won gold, Aly Raisman gold medal gymnast and wrestler Kyle Snyder, another gold winner  – were announced today for the 87th AAU James E. Sullivan Award. 

Rod Seaford, AAU Treasurer and NCAAU Boys Basketball Director, has served the AAU as a volunteer and a professional for 36 years. He was been inducted to both the AAU/USA and NCAAU Hall of Fame. He is currently the Chair of the National Board of Review and Special Counsel to the national organization. 

One of the most successful powerlifting athletes at the AAU Junior Olympic Games during the past few years has been Taylorville, Illinois teenager Karter Brachear.  A 17-year-old junior at Taylorville High School, Karter began doing the powerlifts at age 12 to get stronger for football and wrestling, and he set seven Illinois state records in his first meet nine months later.