Question 1

What is the age requirement to try out for NJC 10U, 12U, 14U, and 18U?

Accepted Answer

To calculate your USSSA athlete's eligibility, click the link below.Be sure to input the 2026/2027 club ball season as the season of play: http://www.usssa.com/fastpitch/AgeCalculator/

Question 2

My current club team requires a decision before NJC tryouts. Would it be possible to schedule a personal tryout?

Accepted Answer

We understand that your current club team may require a decision before our official tryouts on Tuesday, 7/7/26.Yes, you may schedule a private tryout by contacting us directly at njchallengesoftball@gmail.com.We may also hold a second callback tryout, but that decision will be announced following the official tryout date.

Question 3

What if I’m on vacation during tryouts?

Accepted Answer

If you’re on vacation during tryouts, no problem.You can contact us at njchallengesoftball@gmail.com to schedule a private tryout. We’ll work with you to find a time that fits so your athlete still has the opportunity to be evaluated.

Question 4

Are parents allowed to attend tryouts?

Accepted Answer

We are a highly athlete-accountable program. Parents are expected to drop off their athlete at the field and return for pickup at the end of tryouts.For indoor tryouts, please note that parents are not permitted inside the facility.

Question 5

What does the year-round schedule include?

Accepted Answer

Below is a general outline of the NJC year-round schedule. Full details will be provided upon team acceptance.10U Development TeamThe NJ Challenge 10U program is a development-focused team designed to provide young athletes with quality instruction, confidence-building opportunities, and competitive experiences through a lighter year-round commitment than our older teams. Our goal is to create a fun, positive, and supportive environment while building a strong foundation for future success within the NJ Challenge organization.         Fall Season (September–October)1 team practice per week4 tournaments/eventsFocus on fundamentals, teamwork, game awareness, and confidence-building

Winter SeasonBi-weekly development training sessionsHitting, fielding, throwing, and softball IQ instructionConfidence-building and mental performance activities integrated throughout the winter

Spring/Summer Season (April–June)1 team practice per week5/6 tournaments/eventsContinued skill development and game experience in a supportive environment12U + 14U ProgramThe NJC 12U + 14U Program is designed for athletes who are ready to elevate their softball development through a competitive, year-round commitment focused on skill development, confidence, accountability, and growth. Our goal is to develop fundamentally sound athletes while creating a positive, supportive, and competitive team environment. Through professional coaching, structured player development, mental performance training, and quality competition, athletes will continue to build their softball IQ, strengthen their skills, compete with confidence, and prepare for future success within the NJ Challenge organization.  At NJC, our focus extends beyond developing great softball players. We are committed to developing confident, resilient, and coachable young women both on and off the field.NJC 12U TeamFall Season:Team Practices: 1/2x per weekSelf-Confidence Clinic led by CU/NJC Founder Coach LisaMinimum of 5 tournamentsWinter Season:Indoor Practices: 1x per week (8 weeks)Speed & Agility HIIT Classes: 1x per week (8 weeks)Indoor Hitting Clinics at CU: 1x per week (8 weeks)Minimum of 1 winter tournamentSpring/Summer Season:Team Practices: 2x per weekMinimum of 8 tournamentsNJC 14U Teal ProgramFall Season:Team Practices: 1/2x per weekSelf-Confidence Clinic led by CU/NJC Founder Coach LisaMinimum of 5 tournamentsWinter Season:Indoor Practices: 1x per week (8 weeks)Speed & Agility HIIT Classes: 1x per week (8 weeks)Indoor Hitting Clinics at CU: 1x per week (8 weeks)Minimum of 1 winter tournamentSpring/Summer Season:Team Practices: 2x per weekMinimum of 8 tournamentsNJC 14U White TeamFall Season:Team Practices: 1/2x per weekSelf-Confidence Clinic led by CU/NJC Founder Coach LisaMinimum of 5 tournamentsWinter Season:Indoor Practices: 1x per week (8 weeks)Speed & Agility HIIT Classes: 1x per week (8 weeks)Indoor Hitting Clinics at CU: 1x per week (8 weeks)Minimum of 1 winter tournamentSpring/Summer Season:Team Practices: 2x per weekMinimum of 8 tournamentsNJC 18U Showcase TeamFall Season:Indoor Practices: 1x per week (8 weeks)Speed & Agility HIIT Classes: 1x per week (8 weeks)Hitting Clinics: 1x per week (8 weeks)Minimum of 2 tournamentsWinter Season:Indoor Practices: 1x per week (8 weeks)Speed & Agility HIIT Classes: 1x per week (8 weeks)Indoor Hitting Clinics at CU: 1x per week (8 weeks)Minimum of 2 winter tournamentsSpring/Summer Season:Team Practices: 2x per weekParticipation in both USSSA and NCAA Showcase Tournaments

Question 6

What’s included in the NJC tuition?

Accepted Answer

If your athlete is selected for NJ CHALLENGE, you will receive the official NJC Welcome Packet.
This packet will include:
A projected season schedule for the 2026–2027 NJC yearThe Parent Code of Conduct outlining expectations and program policiesThe Athlete Code of Conduct covering athlete responsibilities and standardsThe three-payment tuition schedule and access to the payment portalA list of what’s included in tuition (clinics, gear, training, etc.) as well as any additional required itemsPlease note: Tuition is not disclosed until an athlete is officially selected to join the NJC Program.

Question 7

I currently take lessons at Challenge U. Softball® - will that help my chances?

Accepted Answer

Challenge U. Softball® and NJ CHALLENGE are separate departments.
Participation in lessons, clinics, or camps at Challenge U. Softball does not guarantee placement on an NJ CHALLENGE team. While many NJC athletes do train at CU, team selections are made based solely on skill, performance, and team fit during the tryout process.
We’re committed to a fair and unbiased evaluation process to ensure a competitive and inclusive team environment.
If you currently train at CU and do not make the team, stay focused, keep working hard with your instructor, and continue developing your skills. Growth comes through grit, consistency, and effort.
All CU instructors offer high-level private softball training to athletes of all ages and levels.  Click here to learn more.

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