High Performance Program

Overview & Purpose

The Aurora King Baseball Association ("AKBA") High Performance ("HP") Program is a core branch of our Player Development Pipeline.

Its purpose is to provide elite development opportunities for athletes who demonstrate a strong commitment to high-level competition and long-term athletic growth.

The program is designed to prepare players to advance to the highest levels of amateur baseball, including Provincial, College, University, and other advanced competitive pathways.

Jays Script (White with Shadow)

The Player Development Pipeline

Our program guides athletes through a structured, multi-stage development journey:

  • 12U–14U (Development HP):
    • Focuses on advanced skill development, game strategy, situational play, strength and conditioning and introduces mental performance and leadership
    • High-level league / tournament play
    • Accommodates 2 sport athletes
    • 12 & 13U Compete in the interlock AAA loop with YSBA, TBA and EOBA teams
    • 14U may compete in the EBLO starting in 2027
  • 15U–18U (HP):
    • Focuses on a high-performance training environment, leadership and mentorship
    • Advanced competition (Provincial, National, and Showcase)
    • Direct college/university pathway preparation
    • Competes in the EBLO

Off-Season Development

Every HP team participates in a mandatory, comprehensive off-season training program which includes:

  • Fall Ball: Participation in a fall baseball schedule consisting of a minimum of six (6) games (weather permitting).
  • Strength & Conditioning: Structured sessions led by a certified strength and conditioning coach, along with routines to be followed independently.
  • Baseball Skills Development: A minimum of five (5) hours of organized training per week focusing on hitting, pitching, catching, fielding, throwing, and baseball-specific athleticism supported by professional coaching.
  • Mental Performance Training: Minimum of two (2) large-group organized sessions per off-season covering focus, confidence, resilience, goal-setting, and leadership.
  • Nutrition Education: Minimum of two (2) annual educational sessions delivered by a qualified professional.
  • Individual Development Plans (IDPs): Every athlete receives a customized IDP detailing their strengths, areas for improvement, goals, and progress benchmarks.

Athlete Selection, Tryouts, & Rosters

Tryout Guidelines

  • HP tryouts are publicly advertised, open to all eligible athletes, and conducted in a fair, transparent manner.
    • Please note, private tryouts can be coordinated with the respective coach of each team.
    • Independent evaluators are utilized whenever reasonably possible to ensure unbiased selection.

Roster Sizes

  • 12U–14U: Minimum of 12 players, maximum of 14 players.
  • 15U–18U: Minimum of 12 players, maximum of 17 players.

Expectations & Commitments

Player & Family Commitment

Accepting a roster spot on an HP team requires a significant dedication of time and effort. Players are expected to maintain regular attendance at all practices, training sessions, games, and tournaments, while demonstrating respectful conduct as representatives of AKBA.

Tournament Schedule

  • HP teams compete in a minimum of four (4) tournaments annually.
    • This minimum does not include mandatory championship events like OBA Eliminations or Provincial Championships.
  • Schedules may include highly competitive showcase events located in the United States or other parts of Canada.

2026 Coaches