Cary, N.C. -- The inaugural 14U National Team Development Program officially begins Friday as players arrive in Cary, N.C.

The group of 40 players will be split into a Red and Blue squad and will play four games against each other over the course of the week. The two teams will practice at the National Training Complex Saturday morning, and then play a game in the evening.

When the players are not practicing or playing games, they will be learning about other components of baseball. Areas of focus include strength and conditioning, nutrition, MLB scout and college recruiter interaction, NCAA compliance, umpire education/interaction, media training, and character development.