Summer has barely started, but already it's time to think about fall, especially if you plan to play in a fall recreational sports league.

Deadlines already are approaching for some organizations, and leagues are filling fast.

Many young recreational athletes throughout the Triangle train and practice in their sports year-round.

One way to get in some training is attending one of the many summer camps offered by public and private schools, colleges, nonprofit organizations and commercial enterprises.

Athletes even can take lessons from current and former professional players and coaches who make the Triangle their home.

Check out the Play! Recreational Sports Calendar with listings for camps, leagues, tryouts, instruction, fundraisers, tournaments and events around the Triangle and elsewhere.

This week's warm and sunny days are a reminder that spring is not far
away, and that means it's time for spring recreational league and
summer sports camp registration.

Recreational league signups are under way or starting soon in numerous
sports - among them baseball, T-Ball, flag football, inline hockey,
soccer softball and volleyball - through a variety of parks and
recreation programs, nonprofit multisport organizations and commercial
operations.

And it's never too early to register for summer sports camps. Many of those camps fill quickly.

Summer is winding down and the start of the traditional school year is
approaching, so recreational athletes around the Triangle are taking
advantage of their final summer sports camp opportunities.

Among the camps are the annual Bouncing Bulldogs Jump Rope Camps
conducted by the Chapel Hill-based organization that has won numerous
national and international championships. The Bulldogs recently
returned from a 17-day tour of England, Denmark and Sweden.

The quick-footed Bulldogs' final camps of the summer run Aug. 10-14 and
Aug. 17-21. Would-be rope-skippers can participate for a day ($40) or
for a full week ($200). Call 919-493-7992 or go to
www.bouncingbulldogs.org.