The True North Trailblazers College Prep Program is a one-of-a-kind year-round experience. Led by True North’s team of coaches who are all former college players / college coaches, we train and develop players to allow them to not just play collegiate softball, but to excel at college softball. If you are truly interested in playing at one of the highest levels of the game, then the Trailblazers are exactly where you need to be!
Trailblazers teams implement a thorough and rigorous training plan, play a full schedule of games / tournaments against US-based competition, and bring an unprecedent compete level to each and every training session and game.
For 2024-2025, we are preparing to have teams across multiple age groups (18U, 16U, 14U, possibility for 12U if enough interest). Players who play for the Trailblazers must be:
- Seriously interested and committed to working and training hard
- Strong desire to level up their skills both on and off the field
- Show a passion for the sport and long-term growth and playing collegiately
Game and Team Training Schedule
During the fall / winter, teams will train out of our indoor training centre in Richmond two to three times a week.
Games will be on on the weekends and will be a combination of of local games as well as trips to Washington state. We will also be doing one trip to Phoenix, Arizona over high school spring break in March 2025. It is anticipated that we will be playing anywhere from 50 to 70 games throughout the year. Expect to play games every weekend from April 2025 through mid July 2025.
Draft game schedule for 2024/2025 is as follows:
- September 2024 (6-8 games)
- Mid-September: Scrimmage weekend in Washington state
- End of September: USSSA Tournament in Washington state
- October 2024
- Mid-October: Possible scrimmage (weather dependent)
- November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, February 2025: No games
- Each month will have at least one “team” weekend with extended team training sessions on both Saturday and Sunday plus a team activity
- March 2025
- March 16 to 23: Training camp in Phoenix, AZ. This trip will include daily on-field team training sessions + 5 to 7 scrimmages + MLB spring training game + College softball game + college campus tour
- April 2025 (10-16 games)
- USSSA Tournament in Washington state x2
- Scrimmage weekends x2
- May 2025 (10-16 games)
- USSSA Tournament in Washington state x2
- Scrimmage weekends x2
- June 2025 (10-16 games)
- USSSA Tournament in Washington state
- Scrimmage weekend
- USSSA State Championship 2025 (end of June)
- July 2025 (5-8 games)
- Mid July: Cascade Nationals 2025
- August 2025: OFF
Team Fees
Team fee will be $4,500 for the full year. This fee includes: practices, coaches, facility rentals, team equipment, uniforms / apparel, and tournament registration fees. What is NOT included is travel and accommodations, this is to be organized by each parent / family independently. There will be NO fundraising requirements outside of the one-time team fee.
Coaches
Teams will be led by True North’s expert team of professional coaches, all of whom have collegiate coaching / playing experience and know what it takes to succeed at the next level and have a strong track record of developing player skills and abilities. All coaches staff are passionate, experienced, development focused, and player-centric.
Tryouts Information
Tryouts for 2024/2025 Trailblazers teams will be held
- Monday July 22 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm
- Tuesday July 23 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm
- Wednesday July 24 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm
- Thursday July 25 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm
Cost is $100 for all four days of tryouts. You can register by clicking here. No refunds will be given for missed dates.
Frequently asked questions
Q: When will tryouts be and how can I register?
A: Tryouts will be held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday July 22 through July 25, 2024 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm each day. You can register by clicking here.
Q: Is there a cost to tryout?
A: The cost for the tryout week is $100.
Q: How many games will we be playing?
A: We are looking at 50-75+ games for the year, preliminary schedule is above. This is roughly the same amount of games that the top college teams play in a year.
Q: Do players need to attend every single practice / game?
A: Players are expected to attend every scheduled practice / game. We understand that conflicts may arise, and they need to be discussed with the coaching staff in advance. No refunds will be given for missed practices or games.
Q: Can I still play with my current club team?
A: No. Roster selection is going to be given to players who commit to True North for all practices and games.
Q: How much will this team cost?
A: $4,500 for the year with NO fundraising requirements.
Q: My current team will still be playing when tryouts are happening in late July and I don’t want my current team to know I am looking elsewhere for next year. What should I do?
A: Please reach out to Bradley Thomas at bradley@truenorthsoftball.com or text 236-235-0896 to set up a time to discuss this matter privately and confidentially. We will do whatever we can to make something work for you.
Q: Will you be having info sessions where I can learn more and ask questions?
A: Yes. Join us for online information sessions and Q&A on the following dates and times at this link: meet.google.com/fyh-grkt-hpd
– Wednesday, May 8 at 8 pm
– Friday, May 24 at 7 pm
– Wednesday, June 5 at 8 pm
– Monday, July 8 at 8 pm
– Sunday, July 21 at 7 pm