This is just my opinion but these youth kids (many of us for that matter) did nothing for months because of Covid. You know how hard it is to start working out again after taking some time off, many of these kids don't want to start doing things (athletic things) again. Many of the parents probably enjoyed the time with their family during the downtime created by Covid, so when "little Johnny" wants to stay home instead of go to football practice many of these parents accept it as ok.
I know many youth programs (middle school on down) here in SW Indiana have lower numbers for football than in years past. The gradual decline, at some schools, in participation over the last few years has been accelerated this year due to Covid. Hopefully it bounces back!