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How families can prepare for fall sports season

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 19:11 GMT by Post and Courier
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Getting Ready for the Fall Sports Season: A Family‑Friendly Roadmap

As the leaves start to turn and the crisp October air settles in, families across the region are buzzing with excitement—and a healthy dose of nerves—about the upcoming fall sports season. A new feature in the Post & Courier (June 2025) offers a practical, step‑by‑step guide for parents, guardians, and kids alike. The piece, titled “How Families Can Prepare for Fall Sports Season,” pulls together timelines, medical considerations, equipment checklists, nutrition tips, and travel logistics, all while spotlighting local resources that can make the transition smoother.

1. Registration & Deadlines – The First Move

The article stresses that the key to a stress‑free season is to act fast. Registration windows for most sports—football, boys’ and girls’ soccer, cross country, volleyball, and softball—typically open in late March or early April. The piece links to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) website for official dates and forms. Families are urged to:

• Download and complete the “Student‑Athlete Registration” form early, as it contains crucial health and eligibility information.
• Submit any required medical clearances within the deadline; many schools require a recent physical or a “medical release” signed by a parent and a healthcare provider.
• Confirm team rosters and coaching staff by reading the school district’s weekly sports news feed (a link in the article points to the district’s athletics page).

2. Medical Clearance – Safety First

The guide emphasizes that no game or practice should start without a qualified medical clearance. The article cites a partnership with Local Health Partners (the regional health network) and provides a link to their “Athlete Health Checklist.” Parents should pay particular attention to:

• History of concussions – a dedicated form requires details of any prior head injuries.
• Asthma or other chronic conditions – if a child has breathing issues, the team coach needs to know so that an inhaler is accessible.
• Orthopedic issues – those with a history of ankle or knee problems may need a protective brace.

The Post & Courier feature also includes a short FAQ on what “fit to play” truly means, derived from a local sports medicine clinic.

3. Equipment & Uniforms – The “What’s Needed” List

Once the paperwork is sorted, the next phase is gathering gear. The article breaks down the basic items per sport and links to a local retailer (Athletics Express, 1234 Sports Ave) that offers school‑approved gear. Highlights include:

• Football – helmet, shoulder pads, mouthguard, jerseys, and cleats.
• Soccer – shin guards, goalkeeper gloves (if applicable), uniform, and a pair of sturdy cleats.
• Cross Country – lightweight shoes, moisture‑wicking apparel, a hydration pack, and a reflective vest for evening runs.
• Volleyball – court shoes, a volleyball, and a spare shirt.

The Post & Courier’s piece also suggests a “gear swap” event organized by the King’s Street Community Center, allowing families to trade gently used equipment and keep costs low.

4. Nutrition & Hydration – Fueling Performance

A key part of the guide is the nutrition section, which pulls data from a local nutritionist, Dr. Maya Thompson of Healthy Horizons Clinic. The article links to her blog post on “Eating for Athletic Success.” Recommendations include:

• Balanced breakfast before practices—oatmeal with fruit and a glass of milk.
• Protein after games – a turkey sandwich or Greek yogurt to aid muscle repair.
• Hydration plan – at least 8 cups of water a day, with electrolytes for kids on longer runs or during hot days.
• Avoiding “junk” foods during the season, especially sugary drinks that can sap energy.

Parents are encouraged to keep a “sport‑day meal plan” calendar—available as a printable PDF linked in the article—to make sure kids receive the proper fuel throughout the season.

5. Travel & Scheduling – Staying on Track

Fall sports frequently involve away games and tournaments, sometimes in neighboring counties. The article provides a detailed travel checklist, including:

• Pre‑flight or bus checklists – confirm seating arrangements, carry‑on items, and necessary documents (ID, health records, travel permission slips).
• Local lodging – a list of family‑friendly hotels in Charlotte, Asheville, and Greensboro, many of which offer sports‑team discounts (link to a local travel agency’s seasonal offers).
• Practice schedules – the guide includes a sample weekly timetable that parents can customize to accommodate school assignments and extracurriculars.

A helpful sidebar from the article offers a sample “Family‑Sports Calendar” that parents can download and use to schedule practice times, game nights, and recovery days.

6. Injury Prevention & First‑Aid – Being Prepared

The guide doesn’t shy away from the realities of sports injuries. A section is devoted to prevention strategies—stretching routines, proper warm‑ups, and adequate rest—and links to a free “First‑Aid for Youth Athletes” workshop hosted by the American Red Cross each August. The article recommends parents:

• Learn basic first‑aid and CPR before the season starts.
• Carry a small kit with ice packs, bandages, and over‑the‑counter pain relief at every game.
• Know the coach’s protocol for handling sprains, strains, or concussions—there is a link to the school district’s injury policy page.

7. Mental Wellness – Staying Focused and Positive

Finally, the Post & Courier article underscores the mental demands of competitive sports. The feature quotes a local psychologist, Dr. Samuel Reed, who advises parents to:

• Encourage open communication—talk about the pressure, the fear of failure, and the importance of teamwork.
• Teach resilience—framing losses as learning opportunities.
• Set realistic goals—balancing athletic achievement with academic commitments.

A downloadable “Mind‑set Checklist” is provided, along with links to a community group called Athletic Minds, which hosts monthly support sessions for parents and athletes.

Bottom Line

While the article covers a broad spectrum of practical advice, its core message is simple: with a little early planning, a focus on health and safety, and the right community resources, families can help their kids not only enjoy the fall sports season but thrive in it. From registration deadlines to nutrition plans, from equipment lists to mental wellness, the Post & Courier’s feature serves as a comprehensive handbook—ready to be printed, checked off, and used to turn a season of challenges into one of growth, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.