08/21/2026
Team Alabama Youth Wrestling had a productive board meeting this past weekend, and there’s a lot to be encouraged about heading into the upcoming season.
From an organizational standpoint, we are in a good position financially and are continuing to look for ways to use our resources to support the growth and development of wrestling across Alabama.
A few of the ideas and topics discussed:
• Beginner brackets: We discussed bringing back 1st-year beginner divisions for wrestlers 12U and under throughout the regular season and continuing those beginner brackets all the way through the state tournament. The goal is to give newer wrestlers a better experience, help build confidence, and improve retention.
• Growing girls freestyle: We also discussed the long-term direction of girls freestyle in Alabama. This is not a change that will take place this season, but it is an area we are interested in continuing to explore for the future. Increased freestyle exposure could better prepare our girls for Fargo, college, and other higher-level opportunities while also helping grow FRECO across the state.
• State tournament venue: The Montgomery Multiplex double-booked the venue, so we are currently exploring alternative locations in the Birmingham area. Nothing is official yet, but we wanted to keep everyone updated as we work through the options.
• Investing in coaches and athletes: We also discussed ways the organization can continue investing in the development of our wrestlers and coaches through youth camps, coaches clinics, leadership training and other educational resources that can help strengthen wrestling across the state.
As we continue planning, it’s important to emphasize that some of these are still ideas, discussions, and potential directions. Nothing should be considered finalized unless specifically announced as such.
A couple of reminders as we get closer: USA Wrestling memberships for athletes and coaches can be renewed beginning September 1. We are also actively working on the upcoming season schedule and plan to get that out as soon as dates are finalized. We’ll also be scheduling our annual fall meeting soon.
We’re looking forward to the season and continuing to grow youth wrestling across Alabama while supporting our wrestlers, coaches, officials, clubs, and families.
