I personally feel the Summer entering High School is the best time. This means you should be looking for the Travel Team that best suites your child in the Fall of 8th grade-this is generally when they hold try outs. In chosing a Travel team you should be looking at location of practices, cost, number of tournaments etc. Playing over the summer at a higher level of play will prepare your child for the next step--playing in High School. The training they recieve over the summer will also prepare them for the HS try outs. If you have a talented player they will find their way, you don't always have to be on the top team to secure a great College Scholarship!!