Why You Should Join AAU
- Brittany Williams
- Aug 14, 2017
- 3 min read
What is AAU?
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) in one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs (Amateur Athletic Union). Their slogan, “Sports for all, Forever,” does just that offering over 35 sports. The membership allows athletes to participate in any sport that is offered. They can also participate in multiple sports while only paying one price!
Why AAU?
Respect. Care. Encouragement. These values are what you’ll learn being a part of an AAU team; respect for the sport and others as well. Coaches are by a volunteer basis, volunteering their time and knowledge to increase abilities within youth athletes. Teamwork is a huge part of AAU. Because track and field is an individual sport, athletes have the ability to compete “unattached” but by doing this they are missing out on a huge part of the organization. We strongly encourage teamwork and strive to provide values that are not only good for AAU, but values that will help you be successful in life as well.
AAU consists of some of the best athletes in the country. Many athletes gain lifelong relationships with those they know only from participating in AAU. The Amateur Athletic Union offers events all over the US allowing athletes to travel to places such as ESPN’s Wide World of Sports among others. Events are available at the local, district, regional, and national levels allowing you to choose how far you want to travel for competition. AAU also offers Junior Olympics. Former professional athletes who participated in AAU include: Carl Lewis, Michael Phelps, LeBron James, Madison Bumgarner, Jeremy Wariner, and Florence Griffith-Joyner.
Benefits of AAU
Increased One-On-One Instruction
Creating lifelong friendships
Competing at a high level
The ability to be nationally recognized
FUN
My Experience with AAU
Running track for a high school was a great experience. I got to spend time with my friends outside of the school walls, and travel with them. We would laugh and talk about what happened at school, home, or anywhere really. This was great but, when I joined AAU it was a whole new lifestyle. When we would get together we talked about more than just life stuff. We talked about form, technique, and how to do better as a team. Personal records (PR) is what we strived for. We were always encouraging each other and the meet schedule, traveling, and practices allowed us to become like a family.
My best experience while on my AAU team was making it to Nationals with my 4x100 relay team. I made it to Nationals for other events, but running with teammates was the best feeling. The trophy meant more to me than my individual successes because we all pushed each other beyond what words could explain to accomplish the goal of winning. We never really had conflict because we were able to work hard and work together to achieve a common goal. My AAU team became my sisters, and you would do anything to accomplish a goal with someone of that title. Our relationship lasted beyond the track, as we often enjoyed a refreshing swim at my house after a successful meet.
When becoming a part of an AAU track team you will have the ability to create a second family. You will learn not only about track and field but also about nutrition, wellness, strength, conditioning and ways to create a successful life for yourself both inside and outside of track and field.
Photo: http://www.aauathletics.org/Photos/GalleryDetail.aspx?Gallery=2014+AAU+Junior+Olympic+Games+-Track+%26+Field&GalleryID=687
Reference: http://ww3.aausports.org/Resources/AboutAAU.aspx
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