The National Alliance for Sports finds 70 percent of kids in the US will drop out of organized sports by the age of 13.
The reason, "It's just not fun anymore."
But it's a good way to learn new skills and build team-work.
No matter what kind of sport it is, every parent wants their young athlete to have a good experience.
Chelsey Hansen is planning to start 3-year-old Oliver in a learn to skate program for hockey.
"It's not about competition or winning, just about having fun," says Hansen.
So where do parents begin.
We enlisted the help of Coach Chris Fritching, Director of Football Education for the Detroit Lions and Grace Derocha, a Health Coach and Registered Dietician.
Both are also parents who can relate.
Their number one way to prepare kids for youth sports: find the right fit.
Talk with your child about what they are interested in, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Derocha says, "A lot of times I think we get focused on maybe what we did growing up and kind of expanding our horizons to try a lot of things."
Second: interview the coaches.
Coach Fritching says, "What is your background in coaching this age group? What is your practice plan format? Your philosophy if you will. Are you focused on results only? Or again, are you focused on the hard work and effort to help you get to the results?"
Three: plan ahead.
Especially when considering multiple sports or if you have multiple kids.
Derocha says, "They want to look at the schedule. They want to look at timing. Equipment and budget. And then transportation two and from."
Fourth: fuel up.
It's vital before practice or a game, and after.
Derocha says, "Definitely some carbohydrates and some protein before and after as well. The carbohydrates are the energy burst. The protein is the sustenance. Think and apple or banana with peanut butter or mixed nuts and of course, don't forget hydration."
Wrapping up the top five: practice and play at home.
Coach Fritching says, "It can be anything. Riding bikes. It can be throwing a ball back-and-forth. Playing catch with mom and dad."
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