The summers at USA Baseball feature a blend of events, development programs, and national teams, with one of the first tournaments being for the 10-and-under and 11-and-under age groups in the Futures Invitational. Showcasing the brightest young talent, this event allows hundreds of players to compete against some of the best competition in the country.

Embarking on the trip to Thomas Brooks Park, in Cary, North Carolina, means you don’t just play in your average travel ball tournament. The Futures Invitational is the main identification event at USA Baseball that allows players the opportunity to earn an invite to 12U National Team Training Camp.

Playing in front of the 12U National Team coaches and Task Force members for more than likely the first time, there is more pressure than ever to perform. One of the most satisfying feelings for a young baseball player is being able to develop and play at the next level; making it to the Futures Invitational gives them that chance and the opportunity to learn from an experienced group of coaches.

“Anytime that our Task Force is here to watch these players, we give them a wealth of knowledge from things we’ve seen in the past,” said 12U National Team Program Director Cole Beeker. “Being able to play against some of the top teams across the country is a great representation of what USA Baseball is all about and baseball at this young age.”

Players receive instruction from coaches during 2025 12U National Team Training Camp

During the past two weeks, the USA Baseball Task Force and coaches got a substantial look at players to find athletes who show they can represent USA Baseball on an international stage. The talent arriving at the Futures Invitational is undeniable and keeps getting better, this year is no exception. Back-to-back weekends of action-packed baseball unfolded with Task Force and the 12U National Team coaching staff looking on every step of the way.

“The talent gets better every year; these kids seem to be a little more polished than your typical 11 or 12-year-old.” said 12U National Team Assistant Coach Roger Wright.

As much as talent plays a critical factor in scouting players, coaches will also look for athletes who exemplify playing the game the right way. These players need to be hungry for success – those who want to showcase the stars and stripes at the highest level in the strongest way.

“With players trying to make the 12U National Team, we look for high-character guys who play the game the right way,” explained 12U National Team Assistant Coach Erick Quesada. “We look for guys who love the game of baseball just as much as anybody and kids who want to represent their country in the best way possible.”

When looking at these players, the blueprint has been set for what the Task Force looks for. With a long line of success and tremendous performances in recent years, Task Force members know when they see impact players.

“Coach [Bryan] Madsen has made it clear we're looking for not only talented players but also kids who do things the right way on and off the field,” said 12U National Team Task Force member Kyle Howell. “Good teammates, glue guys, and guys that are going to give that group the best chance to win a gold medal.”

Assistant coach Erick Quesada instructs players on a drill in the infield

After the tournament has ended, being selected as one of the thirty-six players to make the 12U National Team Training Camp roster is a significant accomplishment at this age. During the five-day Training Camp, these players will play in a series of intrasquad scrimmages and practices while competing for a spot on the 12U National Team and eyeing the potential to continue the program’s dominance in international play.

Following the conclusion of Training Camp, this year's 12U National Team--under second-time manager Bryan Madsen and staff--is taking their talented roster to Taiwan to participate in the 2025 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup. With the squad coming off a gold medal in 2022 and 2023, this year's team will aim to live up to the gold-medal standard and bring home a trophy of their own.