The summer is here, school is out, and parents are looking for things for their student athletes to do over the summer. As a parent of a collegiate athlete, I can tell you first hand that summer months go quickly, so it’s important to get your child involved as soon as possible to give them the best opportunity to excel when the 2024-2025 seasons start.
Here are 10 things parents of athletes should do this summer for different sport.
- Look For Off-Season Workout Program
If your child is interested in playing high school sports, or if you are interested in motivating them to join a team, now is the time to put them into an off-season workout program. Eighth graders heading to the ninth grade can workout with the high school team now. It gives them that much needed introduction to the rigors of high school sports, while also giving them an advantage over the competition.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
2. Take Football Players To College Camps
The question most asked in high school football is “how does my kid get offers?” There is no exact science, however you increase your chances exponentially if you take your kids to college camps. Several colleges are holding football camps right now featuring high school players from around the country. Even if you are just getting into football, still go to the camps so that you can get knowledge and training from college coaches to take back home to work on.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
3. Sign Up For AAU
This has been known for many years now, but just in case you are getting introduced to basketball, no matter the age, sign your child up for AAU basketball now. College recruiters and coaches are at tournaments, and several local talent is now playing D-1 College Basketball due to their development in the summer. Very important facts about AAU is below
- There are several basketball clubs in Norteast Florida
- Clubs set up their own fees, schedules, rules/regulations, etc.
- AAU membership is ONLY $20.00 or $22.00 and should be purchased by the parent to ensure that their child has a valid AAU membership.
- Every club is its own separate entity and each club may have a different price structure based on what they are providing your athlete. It is important to ask as many questions as possible to ensure the club you are looking at is the right one for your athlete.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
4. Start With A Volleyball Club ASAP
Although the volleyball season officially starts in August, now is the time that coaches are organizing their teams. Coaches are meeting with their volleyball teams in the summer for workouts and training. There are a few volleyball clubs in Northeast Florida that provide instruction, and training for your athlete as well.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
5. Baseball And Softball Seasons Just Ended, But Travel Ball Is Just Beginning For Parents
Baseball and Softball never ends. Just ask the high school state champions whom many of the players turned around and played a travel ball tournament the week after playing in the state championship. If softball or baseball is your passion, it is important to find a travel ball team that can provide the exposure and experience needed to take your game to the next level.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
6. Sign Up For Soccer
Soccer is the sport that most parents start their kids off with due to it’s global popularity, and lack of physicality resulting in serious injury. However, there is a difference between recreational soccer and competitive soccer. Parents can take advantage of competitive soccer camps going on right now to get your child ready for the Winter seasons in middle school and high school.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
7. Look For Flag Football 7 on 7
Flag Football is quickly becoming a popular sport not only in high school, but in college as well. Several athletes earned athletic scholarships to play flag football in college the last couple of years, and that path begins in the summer with tournaments. Look for Flag Football camps and tournaments to sign up for now, to be ready for the regular season next year.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
8. Track Down A Track Club
Track Season may be over for middle school and high school , but it’s just beginning for summer track clubs. Sign-ups are already underway so hurry up. All ages can sign up, even adults. Clubs compete in different events around the state and U.S and there is even a junior Olympics that you can qualify for if you are good.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
9. Grapple No More, Make The Decision To Sign Up For Wrestling and Weight Lifting
Although the sports are different, wrestling and weight lifting go hand in hand as most coaches recommend weight training for wrestling. There are several wrestling clubs to sign up for during the summer. Also, there are free gym memberships for kids over the summer as well.
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form at the bottom of the page)
10. Invest Now, Save Later
Many parents can provide their personal testimonies of how investing hundreds in your child’s athletic training now will save you thousands in college tuition down the road. This is the formula for success. There’s also more incentive to get your kid a competitive edge now after the FHSAA passed a measure to allow high school athletes to profit off of their Name Image and Likeness (NIL).
(If you need information about this, complete the contact form below)
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