RALEIGH, N.C. — The safety of children in sports is top of mind for parents following injuries on the professional level. 

Almost one third of childhood injuries are sports-related, according to John Hopkins. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Skyhawks Sports Academy has locations in Apex and Cary 

  •  The "Safe In Play" strategy focuses on using equipment and techniques to reduce injuries in youth sports 

  •  Almost one third of childhood injuries are sports-related 

  • The sports camp is for youth ages 18 months to 14 years old 

Jessica Ginsberg says safety is the top priority for her 3-year-old son. 

"I mostly just want him to have fun, [be] active and play along with other kids and kind of be exposed to the basics of sports while he's little," Ginsberg said. 

Her son Brooks is learning the fundamentals of basketball in the Super Tots program, which is part of the Skyhawks Sports Academy. 

The national sports camp has locations in Apex and Cary, training kids ages 18 months to 14 years old in football, basketball, soccer, golf and baseball. 

"Any coach that can instill those skills early, rules and guidelines to follow for safety and kids is really great and important," Ginsberg said. 

Joseph Litzenburg is the youth sports coach for Skyhawks Sports Academy. He says they use a "Safe in Play" strategy to ensure the safety of the kids while they're learning. 

"We start them out every class doing certain stretches and help them understand that before every game or before every practice that we all need to go out and do stretches, everybody needs to get loose," Ginsberg said. 

Ginsberg says they focus on the importance of stretching, working together and staying hydrated.

"It helps prevent those injuries like a hamstring injury or you know, an ankle injury or cramps," Ginsberg said. 

The Super Tots class that Ginsberg coaches is for kids ages 2 to 6. He says in this class they are learning the fundamentals and the proper technique to each sport. 

"In the beginning stages is where you can really grow their confidence," Ginsberg said. 

The sports camp uses safe equipment like plastic whiffle balls and bats. They also teach flag football versus tackle football at the youth level to reduce impact while learning the technique. 

While the safety is never completely guaranteed, these strategies are aimed to help reduce any injuries on the field and in practice. 

Ginsberg and the other coaches are all trained in CPR. 

“Getting them involved in these sports can really just peak their interest and keep their drive going for a different sport," Ginsberg said.