Amen to waiting until the child is much older. My son started playing AAU last year at 15U with an excellent program. Eight year olds are way too young to be exposed to this environment. They need to spend their weekends playing outside with their little friends and maybe spending a couple of hours max working on basketball. They do not need to be cooped up in a gym all weekend long. There is much more to life than sports as my son is finding out. My son is a very good player and got quality time as a sophomore on the varsity team. However, there are a TON of good ball players out there and I am not waiting around for him to get offered a scholarship. If it happens, it happens but if you are thinking that by starting him so young that that will better his chances of being a great player down the line and will get him some scholarship money DO NOT COUNT ON IT!!! It is very expensive to play AAU if you play out of town. Hotels, food, gas. The last two weekends we have spent approximately $500.00 on those things. You would be much better off investing that money in some good mutual funds. Just my opinion.