The time is now to sign up for fall youth sports through the City of Russellville Parks and Recreation Department.

Although fall sports won’t begin for a few more weeks, registration is now open, ending Aug. 18.

Children ages 3-12 are invited to sign up for one or more of the numerous sports the department offers each fall.

Biddy Body Soccer is designed for children 3-5, providing a team sports atmosphere for the youngest of future athletic stars.

For children 6-12, Parks and Recreation will offer soccer, volleyball and flag football.

“Recreational sports help bring people together, providing opportunities for social interaction,” said Parks and Rec’s Carrie Dover in a previous interview. “I feel like in this day and age when everyone is so focused on their phone/electronic device, it’s good to get both children and their parents out of the house interacting with others face-to-face instead of screen to screen.”

That break from screen time, however, isn’t the only benefit, Dover said. “As always with sports, it helps develop life skills and leadership abilities in all children that are involved, which in turn helps to heighten each child’s self-esteem and self-worth.” Dover also endorsed the “lifelong friendships that form while playing.”

Sign-up sheets are located at the Rec Center, 201 Ash Ave., in Russellville. Call 256-332-8770 for more information.