Every year around this time, I like to write about the upcoming fall youth sports season. I know summer is only halfway over, but it’s never too early to start thinking about fall youth sports.

Most youth tackle and flag football leagues are already accepting registrations, so make sure you don’t miss out. If your top choice has a waiting list, keep looking around. Many kids who are on waiting lists never get on the field.

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Are you the parent of a youth, middle school or high school football player who’s looking for more tips or resources? Check out our Parent Guide, Parents 101 course, nutritious recipes and more.

If your child is playing a sport for the first time – or joining a new league – try to find out what equipment you’ll need and what the league will provide. There is no sense buying a complete football uniform – helmet, pads, gloves, flag belts, etc. – if the league is going to provide some or all of it. 

Depending on the level of team your child is playing on – recreation, competitive or high school – they should start to think about getting into shape. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to run wind sprints in the yard, but it wouldn’t hurt to jog around the neighborhood a few times in the evening instead of doing battle on Fortnite. 

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My guess is the football player in your family hasn’t played a lot of 11-on-11, and unlike other sports, it’s a tough one to practice alone. As a parent, around this time I always encourage my son to throw the ball around, either with me or some friends. I remind him that the kids he is going to be competing against for a starting position – or in some cases, a chance just to make the team – are probably practicing at this point in the summer.

For parents and kids, it’s tough to think about the fall in the middle of July. But thinking about these things now can help reduce the stress level of the upcoming season. 

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Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years, originally as a coach and board member with his now-adult son and most recently "just as a dad" with his 9- and 11-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.