NATCHEZ — Youth football players looking to strap on their helmets and shoulder pads this fall have the opportunity to do just that with the Natchez Falcons.

Registration for the Falcons is ongoing through July 16, and head coach Darryl Smith said approximately 40 players have already signed up and started practicing.

“Right now we are working on fundamentals,” Smith said. “We will cover blocking, tackling and playing defense. We start slow, and then we will learn some offensive plays before we put the pads on.”

Smith said he plans on starting full practice the first or second week of July, and he hopes interested players will sign up quickly in order to participate in the earlier practices, where fundamentals are a focus.

“We want kids to come out and learn football,” he said. “We will teach discipline and working together.”

Smith said he hopes to have 90 to 100 players by the time the season starts August 18. He said he expects an influx of players once baseball season ends.

“We have a lot still playing baseball and all-star games,” he said. “But we hope they go all the way, and just go ahead and win state or go as far as they can go.”

Once the season starts, the Falcons will play teams from around the state.

Smith said the Falcons are split into three different age groups. The “C-team” is for players 6 to 8 years old. The “B-Team” is for ages 9-10 and the “A-Team” is for ages 11-12.

Registration is $70, and players can sign up during practice sessions at the practice field behind the Steckler Multipurpose Center from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Smith said first-year players must have their birth certificate to register.

Smith said registration pays for league participation, and the Natchez Falcons will provide each player with equipment.

“We take care of everything else,” he said.