The New York City Parks Department has said it will not issue fall athletic permits due to health concerns, but local officials, athletes and their families are calling on the city to rethink its decision and issue permits for low to moderate risk youth sports. 

The current decision means that kids who are members of organized leagues will not be able to play in the fall with their teams, since their coaches won’t be able to request a field or court for any formal use. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said that higher-risk sports with full physical contact like tackle football and wrestling can continue practice but are not authorized to play at this time.

The young athletes told News 12 that their sports help them relieve stress, anxiety, and everything else they’ve been dealing with during this difficult time. They say they are much more productive with their school work when they have a few hours a week outside playing their sports.