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NEDERLAND — Youth sports are getting back in the swing of things, and parents and young athletes have some options.

Nederland High School boys basketball coach Brian English had to move his annual summer basketball camp to July, but things are on schedule to host eager hoopsters July 6-8 and July 13-15 at Ridgewood Church gymnasium.

The registration deadline is July 1, and the camp fee is $60, which includes a T-shirt.

The first series of dates are for incoming second, third and fourth graders.

“It’s a way to build relationships, teach the kids the game and, more than anything, it’s about having fun,” English said. “It gives parents options for their kids. It’s about building interest. Of course, you can’t make a basketball player overnight. You can build some interest and hopefully they start enjoying the game, practice more and develop into a player.”

English said his fellow coaches help and even some former campers who started as participating 7-year-olds are now mentors, including Colton English and Josh Hebert.

The smiles on the campers’ faces make it worthwhile.

“Simple things, little bitty successes go a long way with the small kids,” English said. “It kind of makes you feel a little younger when you are out there with them.”

The second series of dates is open to incoming fifth, sixth and seventh graders.

Call 718-1667 for more information.

Due to COVID concerns, English said he would cut back participation numbers, be more careful and assign campers in smaller groups.

“We’re doing that with the high school kids now and seeing the same success,” he said. “Hopefully we do that same with these camps.”

In other sports, Nederland Youth Football and Cheer registration in ongoing through July 15.

Board president Andrew Martindale said Little League baseball canceled its season altogether but football is scheduled to start playing the week after Labor Day.

That could change based on state mandates and health conditions.

Football is open to boys between 5- and 12-years-old, with the youngest age group playing flag football before graduating to tackle in peewee, junior and senior divisions.

The same age ranges are open to girls in cheerleading.

“We are there to teach the kids and get them ready,” Martindale said. “Football is a full contact sport, but you are playing against your level. There are a lot of rules in place. All of the coaches are Heads Up coaching certified, looking out for head injuries, concussions, hydration and proper practice routines.”

According to Martindale, there is some league competitiveness because people want to win but that is not the focus.

“The least talented kid on the team and the most talented kid see the same amount of coaching and time on the field,” Martindale said. “It’s really centered around keeping these kids engaged in sports.”

Martindale played sports growing up and got his son involved in flag football when the time came.

Since then, he has been an assistant coach, head coach, board member and now board president.

Registration fees range between $210 and $260. For more information, email nederlandyf20@gmail.com or log onto nederlandyouthfootball.org.