Frequently Asked Questions
If I leave the program can I get my money back?
No, This is the policy of the Saratoga Sparks, once a family has committed to playing the money is collected and used to pay for AAU fees, uniforms and tournament entry fees.

How do I determine which team I should tryout for?
AAU is structured around age, not grade.  The appropriate age level is the player’s age as of January 1st.  Players will be chosen based on talent, level of commitment and availability.  Each coach will make the final determination regarding the players on their team.

What is the cost of the program?

There is a $25 non-refundable AAU fee due at registration. If you are placed on a team the fee to play is $350. There is no additional cost for the uniform. There are also travel costs which will vary depending on the type and amount of travel.

How long does the season run?
The season begins at tryouts (March 5 or March 12) and for most teams ends at the conclusion of the school year. Some teams will continue to play during the summer.

When are the tryouts?
Info on tryouts is available on our website at Registration

How many tournaments are there and where are they located?
Each team may participate in six tournaments. While there are an increasing number of local tournaments, most teams will travel out of town for some tournaments. The amount of out of town tournaments will vary depending on the age, level and interest of the players, coaches and parents.

Does every player make a team?

We strive to find a team for every player and have always been able to do so, but it is not guaranteed. Our rapid growth has stretched our ability to get adequate gym time and enough coaches.

When and where are practices?
Most teams average two practices per week in the evening. Most teams will practice at Union College however some teams may practice at other gyms within the Capital District.

Sparks Pass Stress Test

Albany, New York - The Saratoga Sparks played in their second tournament of the 2008 campaign this weekend as they traveled down I-87 to visit the University of Albany to compete in the Empire All-Stars Invitational.

The 1-3 Sparks were looking to gain a little momentum as they prepared for trips next month to Connecticut College and the University of Rhode Island. “This weekend is important to us for one reason, we need to get a little more confident in our game plan and we need to build a little more team chemistry before we start competing at the next level in front of college coaches” shared coach Csakany.

The first game of the four game schedule paired the Sparks with the Running Rebels of Davies. The Sparks got out quickly in the first half and lead by as many as nine points but found themselves holding a slim four point lead at the half.

“We executed our offense, controlled the boards for the most part and played good enough defense to win the game.... but when you only shot 22% from the field you’re not going to taste success very often” shared Coach Turner.

The Sparks shot a dismal 16 for 73 from the field and did not connect on a single three point basket. Andrea “”3 Buck” Mangione and Marissa “Sting” Ray each scored eight points to led the Sparks scoring attack while Elisa “Stars and Stripes” Hannan and Amelia “Rowen and” Martin each chipped in six points of their own as the Sparks fell to the Rebels 45-41.

“Sting” Ray also collected a team high twelve rebounds and dished a game high four assists. Teammate “3 Bucks” Mangione (as tough as a $3 steak) worked for nine boards and a team high six steals.

The Sparks did display several positives in the loss. The offense was well executed, they collected 41 team rebounds and they pushed the basketball up court fairly well. But in the end it was the shooting percentage which killed the beast.

You all know the old expression, there are two sides to every story. The Sparks went from 22% percent shooting in game one to an unbelievable 46% percent in game two.

The Syracuse Stars were the unfortunate victims of bad basketball timing. They found themselves on the wrong end of a 58-30 beating that saw every Sparks player in the scorers book.

Once a Spark... Always a Spark...

"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

John Wooden
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