November has arrived, the clocks are turned back and those beautifully colored leaves that shone so brightly in the trees are now the bane of your existence scattered on the lawn.

All those signs mean that the fall football season is either already over, or quickly coming to an end.

What’s next if your child doesn’t play a winter sport? Unlike most other sports when there is no official offseason from the sport itself, there typically are no tackle or flag football leagues during the winter months. 

Players can train in a variety of ways either alone, with teammates, or at a local gym with a paid trainer. They can even just take the winter off from any football-related activities.

However, it is important they find something to do. After all, a kid whose schedule is busy, structured and organized is usually a happy kid.

Maybe suggest your child try a new sport over the winter season. Basketball, wrestling or swimming are popular choices. But don’t forget there are also usually indoor soccer and lacrosse leagues offered by local clubs or organizations.

If you’re looking for a less formal commitment where you (parents and player) control the schedule, think outside the box. 

In warmer weather states, maybe it’s a good time to learn the game of golf or tennis. In colder climates, how about skiing? The one thing they all have in common is that they can be done on your time and at your pace. They all provide physical activity without the multi-day weekly commitment that football often requires. Lastly, they can be done alone or with teammates, other friends or family.

Cycling, mountain biking and hiking are other great individual activities that can be done in just about any climate. There may even be local clubs you can join, but still without the schedule demands of a formal team sport.
 
The entire family will enjoy the first week off the offseason without anything to do. But that feeling will soon turn to boredom and therefore it’s important to figure out an offseason plan to stay active. 

Stay safe and healthy!

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years with perspectives as a parent, coach and board member. 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.