There was a time when a dirt lot and 10 kids with a hardball and eight baseball gloves was a game. A time that wherever kids could throw a football or toss a basketball, a league was born. Games were between one block and another, one neighborhood and another. It wasn´t called "youth sports," it wasn´t organized and it certainly wasn´t an industry. But that has all changed.

Today, dirt lots have been replaced with artificial turf, stadium seating and lighting for night games. Games are between teams from opposite ends of the country. Kids are equipped with gear that rivals that of professional players – cutting-edge gloves, bats, protective gear and even trainers.

For parents of children just getting involved in their local youth sports program or for those moving to the next level, there is a lot to comprehend, a lot to worry about, a lot to balance. We´ve gathered a selection of stories and tips, resources and ideas all designed to help you and your child.

Share your stories, your successes, ideas and photos here, but most of all, enjoy the game.