When summer arrives and the school doors close, many young people in Dallas County are left with nothing to do.

As June approached this year, there were several grumbles that crime in the city of Selma would increase because many young people would find their own extracurricular activities.

However, everywhere you look there are chidren playing, and excelling in, sports.

The youth baseball and softball teams are bringing home numerous trophies and continue to make waves in All-Star tournaments.

Every week there seem to be more basketball tournaments pitting some of the area’s best teams against each other for a little friendly competition. Volleyball teams have also gotten in on the action with summer camps of their own.

Young people in Selma are finding positive things to do with their time through athletics, and the police reports are reflecting their choices.

Everyone benefits from strong summer sports programs.

The city of Selma has been able to draw people in through baseball tournaments and put away some of the misconceptions about our city.

Basketball fans and coaches are getting a sneak preview of what they can expect when the season tips off in November.

And, of course, the children are honing their skills and staying off the streets.

Most communities with strong youth sports programs also have fewer problems with juvenile crime. Most young people long for a positive activity to  help them occupy their time, and the city of Selma, the school systems and county programs  have done their part to point them in the right direction.

There will be plenty of opportunities to check out some of the action as the summer continues.

Please do your part to support the efforts of these players and coaches by checking out a game.

It takes a lot of planning and effort to keep these programs going, and everyone involved deserves a little support. And it never hurts for the players to see a packed house when they take the court or field.