MN Elks FAQ
Our goal is simple: to help each athlete become the best version of themselves—as a softball player and as an all-around athlete. This comprehensive program offers a balanced and supportive schedule that works well alongside other sports and school commitments.
We understand that making a decision to join a new program can be challenging. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve created this FAQ . If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. We will continue to update this page regularly to ensure transparency and keep all parents informed about this new and exciting opportunity that we hope you will take advantage of and join us!
Question: Why start a MN Elks program at 12U?
Answer: This is the age when many players begin seeking year-round softball opportunities. Our goal is to keep our athletes local by offering a high-level training and development experience right here in our community. By starting a 12U MN Elks team, we’re giving our girls the opportunity to grow, compete, and build skills without needing to travel to other towns to access this level of commitment and coaching.
Question: My athlete plays in other sports, will this commitment hinder their involvement in other activities?
Answer: We understand that many young athletes are involved in multiple activities throughout the year. Our fall and winter sessions are designed to be flexible and accommodating. All we ask is that your child attends what they can—prioritizing games when possible—and continues to develop alongside their teammates. During the summer season, we ask for full commitment to the softball schedule.
Question: What would our level of commitment look like?
Answer:
Fall Season (5 weeks)
- League play culminating in a state tournament
- 1–2 additional fall tournaments dependent on player availability
- Flexible attendance expectations (practices encouraged; games a priority)
Winter Training (December–March)
- Twice-weekly indoor training sessions focused on skill-building and athletic performance
- 6-week Dome Ball season dependent on player availability
- Opportunities to participate in Dome tournaments dependent on player availability
- Flexible expectations to support multi-sport athletes
Summer Season
- Full league schedule
- 5–7 competitive tournaments
- Full commitment expected during summer play
Question: Will you be accepting players from other towns?
Answer: For 12U teams, players must be in the Elk River draw area or get a signed waiver from their area association. For 14U and above there are no restrictions
Question: When are tryouts?
Answer: Tryouts will be at Lions Park (Elk River High School Fields) on August 4th-6th from 4:00 - 8:00PM. If this does not work for you, please contact us for alternatives.
Question: How much does it cost to try out?
Answer: There will be a $15 fee collected at registration for the tryouts.
Question: Why is there a tryout fee?
Answer: Tryout fees help cover the costs associated with running a fair and organized evaluation process. This includes expenses like field rental, equipment, administrative planning, and staff or evaluators' time. Collecting a small fee also ensures a serious level of commitment from participants, which helps us plan effectively.
Question: When will I be notified if my daughter made the team or not?
Answer: Our goal is to offer a roster position within 24-48 hours of tryouts.
Question: Who will coach the team?
Answer: We are still seeking applications. If you know someone who has coaching and/or experience playing softball or baseball, please have them apply on our Elk River Youth Softball website > Programs tab > MN Elks Coach Application or click HERE.
Question: Who will be conducting tryouts?
Answer: The selected coaches will conduct tryouts with assistance from experienced coaches in club, High School and College ball.
Question: How many players do you anticipate to be on a team?
Answer: Our goal is 11-13 players per team.
Question: Will there be out of state tournaments? If so, how far away will they be?
Answer: Any decisions about out-of-state tournaments will be made collaboratively between the coach and team families. Travel opportunities will be carefully considered as a team to ensure they align with everyone’s goals, availability, and financial comfort levels.
Question: When will Winter practices most likely be?
Answer: We typically have practices on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays but this is also dependent on the coaches and facility availability.
Question: How much will this year round team cost?
Answer: We are proud to offer program costs that we believe are lower than most year-round programs. The player fees include participation in all 3 seasons (fall, winter and regular) from August - July. $2,250 per player. Additional team fundraising may be requested on a per team basis. Travel and lodging expenses are additional.
Question: What supplies will be issued to each player?
Answer: Each player will receive: 3 jerseys plus cold weather top, 3 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of socks, 3 belts, a helmet and a customized player bag.
Question: Will we need to complete volunteer hours as we did with the association?
Answer: No, volunteer hours or deposit checks will not be required. That said, if you're a family that enjoys volunteering, we always welcome the extra help and support!
Let’s build something great together—a team that grows, competes, and thrives all year long.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to: Gabe Fransen, President @ gabriel.fransen@gmail.com and/or Chris Uttke, Travel & Tournament Director, MN Elks Director @ chrisu4753@gmail.com. As we receive questions, we will update this page. Our goal is to provide all parents and players with transparency and information to help your family make an informed decision about trying out for the MN Elks team. We hope to see you at tryouts.