Frequent Questions
Earning a spot on a travel club is an experience full of jubilation. But to have it last, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. Matching the right player to the right team will result in an experience that’s fun and full of excitement.
Knowing if eXpress is the right fit is just as important as knowing whether it’s not! So to help, here you'll find the most frequently asked questions we field each season.
Q:
What are the main differences between recreational softball and eXpress?
A:
The main differences are two-fold. First, eXpress is competitive and holds tryouts to select players. Playing time is earned. Second, the time commitment is more significant than recreational softball. The season runs from late August through July for most age groups. Practices are two or three per week. Games are at least once per week in-season.
Q:
What age groups and levels does eXpress encompass?
A:
eXpress fields teams from 10U through 18U. We also have eXpress Academy, which is a developmental, non-competitive program designed to introduce young players to the eXpress family.
Q:
How many players are typical on an eXpress team?
A:
A typical eXpress team rosters 11-14 players.
Q:
Are eXpress players able to participate on Recreational, Middle School, and High School softball teams and/or other sports teams?
A:
Yes! eXpress encourages participation in other recreational and/or school sports. eXpress also understands the importance of participation in school softball and strongly supports and encourages such participation. eXpress takes priority over rec, and school takes priority over eXpress. That said, eXpress coaches work hard to avoid softball scheduling conflicts in all areas.
Q:
What does a typical eXpress team schedule look like?
A:
Typically, eXpress teams practice anywhere from two to three times per week. Teams will play in “friendlies” (scrimmages, double-headers, round robins) or tournaments (weekend-long, multi-game events) each week. The fall schedule is typically lighter than the spring schedule. Winter months (January through March) are devoted to pre-season indoor practice and conditioning, with two or three commitments per week.
Q:
Where are team practices held?
A:
eXpress is located in Ambler, PA. Our home field is Pickering Field in Ambler. Additional outdoor and indoor practices take place in various facilities located in or near central Montgomery County.
Q:
Is eXpress affiliated with any Township softball programs?
A:
eXpress is not officially affiliated with any recreational softball programs. However, Ambler Junior Baseball and Softball is its sister organization.
Q:
If my daughter is interested in playing college softball, can eXpress assist?
A:
Yes! The 16u and 18u divisions will participate in college showcases and coaches will provide support with the college recruiting process.
Q:
How far away are the tournaments that eXpress teams typically travel to?
A:
eXpress typically plays in tournaments within a two-hour drive radius. Teams playing in Nationals may travel further.
Q:
What should I expect from a typical tournament?
A:
Typical tournaments are weekend-long commitments, usually with three games on Saturday (“pool play” to determine seeding for Sunday) and a single-elimination bracket on Sunday.
Q:
Are all games tournament games?
A:
No. Many games are “friendlies”, which could be single-game scrimmages, double headers, or round robins.
Q:
Is there help with transportation?
A:
No. Players are responsible for transportation to and from games, practices, and events.
Q:
How does my daughter become an eXpress player?
A:
Open tryouts are held every July. Signups will be made available on our website in the weeks leading up to tryouts. If a player cannot make it to tryouts for any reason, you may contact us for a private tryout.
Q:
Does my daughter need to be a resident of a particular township to join eXpress?
A:
No. eXpress draws players from many townships, near and far.
Q:
How do we know which age group to try out for?
A:
The age cutoff is December 31st every year. A player must still be eligible for her age division by the cutoff. For example, a 10u player must still be 10 years old by December 31. She may not turn 11 until January 1st.
Q:
Are tryouts held annually for all eXpress teams?
A:
Yes. Tryouts are held each year in mid- to late July.
Q:
What should we expect at tryouts?
A:
Tryouts are typically one or two hours of skills evaluations. eXpress coaches will evaluate players’ abilities to throw, catch, field, hit, run, slide, and—if applicable—try out for pitcher or catcher. Also, every team will host TWO tryouts. All players should plan to attend both.
Q:
Once my daughter makes a team, how long does that commitment last?
A:
The commitment is for one year-long season (end of August through end of July).
Q:
Will my daughter need to try out again once she makes an eXpress team?
A:
Yes. Every player tries out every year.
Q:
Are there any specific eXpress team rules that players are expected to follow?
A:
eXpress has a written Code of Conduct, to which every player and family will be expected to adhere.
Q:
Is there an annual fee?
A:
Yes. The annual fee is currently $1800 (plus a $100 registration fee). This covers uniforms for fall and spring, tournament costs, umpire fees, team bonding events, facility rentals, and costs for outsourced specialized instruction (hitting and conditioning, for example). This fee is subject to increase annually. Fundraising will be employed. If specialty items are voted upon, parents may be asked to chip in a bit more in the spring.
Q:
Is this fee refundable or partially refundable if my daughter is unable to complete a full season?
A:
No. Our club’s annual fee is non-refundable.
Q:
Are there any other required expenses not covered by the annual fee?
A:
Families are responsible for transportation and lodging expenses associated with tournaments. Team fundraisers will cover additional team expenses that are not covered by the initial budget.
Q:
Will my daughter always have the same coach for her entire eXpress career?
A:
eXpress coaches endeavor to stay with their teams as long as possible. That said, there may be circumstances in which players will switch to a new coach within eXpress.
Q:
Does eXpress ever need parent volunteers?
A:
Yes! eXpress is a family, and volunteer parents drive the organization. Parent volunteers may help with team bonding events, coordinate food and drinks for tournaments, organize spirit activities, and other important team duties.
Q:
I’m interested in coaching an eXpress team or being an assistant coach. What now?
A:
Use the contact form at the bottom of this page to contact eXpress Commissioner, Elise Baker.
Got a Different Question?
Matching your child to the right team is just as important to us. We're here to help. Simply use the form below and include your question in the message area.