FAQ
Everything families ask about October Practices and Spring AAU. Don't see your question? Call or text 610.331.8812, or email matt@mattpaulbasketball.com.
October Practices
What are October Practices?
Game-speed basketball practices, coached in the moment, from Sept 29 to Nov 9. Every practice is built on mini games, so players get more touches, more teaching, and more fun than standing in a drill line.
Who can play?
Boys and girls ages 7–17, in two groups: Ages 7–12 (first session) and Ages 13+ (second session). Players are placed by age, ability, and readiness, and advanced players can earn a chance to play up.
Do I need to try out?
No. Register as an individual and we'll place your player in the right group.
How much does it cost?
6-Pack: $145. Any 6 nights, any gym, any mix. Use them by Nov 9.
All-Access: $295. Unlimited nights at every MP gym.
Same price for both age groups. More than one player? Use code MPFamily at checkout for $50 off each additional player.
I already registered for fall. Do I need to pay again?
No. Fall registrations are covered through Nov 5, and fall families get 15% off winter as a thank-you.
How do 6-Pack nights work?
Come to any 6 practices, at any of our gyms, in any combination. Text 610.331.8812 the nights you plan to come so we can hold your spot. Groups do fill.
Where and when
Where are practices?
| Night | Gym | Ages 7–12 | Ages 13+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | SCH Academy, Vare Fieldhouse · 8000 Cherokee St, Chestnut Hill | 6:15–7:30 PM | 7:30–9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Gwynedd Mercy Elementary · 816 Norristown Rd, Spring House | 6:00–7:30 PM | 7:30–9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Gwynedd Mercy Elementary, Spring House | 6:00–7:30 PM | 7:30–9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | SCH Academy, Kingsley Gym · 500 W Willow Grove Ave, Chestnut Hill | 6:15–7:30 PM | 7:30–9:00 PM |
| Thursday | Gwynedd Mercy Elementary, Spring House | 6:00–7:30 PM | 7:30–9:00 PM |
| Friday | The Philadelphia School · 2501 Lombard St, Center City | 6:00–7:30 PM | 7:30–9:00 PM |
Are there any nights off?
No Monday session Oct 12. No Thursday sessions Oct 1 or Oct 8.
What if a gym or time changes?
We post changes in the banner at the top of this site and email registered families. On nights we move outdoors, dress for the weather.
At practice
What should my player bring?
A basketball and your MP jersey.
Who coaches?
Coach Matt Paul leads the program: 32 years of coaching and USA Basketball Gold certified, with the same staff week to week so the coaching builds instead of restarting.
Spring 2027 AAU
Who can play AAU?
Boys and girls in current grades 4–11. Advanced players can play up with older players in practice and in tournaments, except in events with grade requirements.
How do evaluations work?
Evaluations run in November and December, and there's no tryout fee. Join the free priority list and we'll send dates as soon as they're set. Players who come to October Practices or Winter Basketball get seen for weeks, not one afternoon, before teams are placed.
How much does AAU cost?
$995–$1,195 for the season, depending on grade. Payment plans are available.
How long is the season, and how often do teams practice?
The season starts in March and runs about 15 weeks, with 2–3 practices a week at MP gyms in Chestnut Hill, Spring House and Center City, scheduled around school and other sports.
How much travel is there?
Teams play 5 tournaments, including events run by Made Hoops, Hoop Group and A Game. Grades 4–8 play local tournaments only. High school events are all within about an hour to an hour and a half of our practice locations.
Will my child actually play?
Yes. Rosters are capped at 8–9 players, so every player gets real minutes and real coaching. We measure success by how much each player grows, not by trophies.
Do you help with college recruiting?
Yes, for players who want to play in college. Our coaches have coached thousands of high school and AAU games, with some college experience, and we use that to guide families through recruiting.
How do I sign up?
Join the free AAU priority list. More details on the Spring AAU page and the HS Girls AAU page.
Winter
What's coming after October?
Winter Basketball: teams, weeknight practices, and weekend MP Runs, all close to home. Details are coming soon. Join the mailing list to hear first.
Spring 2027: MP AAU teams with 2–3 practices a week, MP Runs, and 5 tournaments. See the Spring AAU questions above.
October: 6-Pack $145 · All-Access $295 · Spring AAU: free priority list

