Is DS being excluded because of his disability ?

[youcantgettome]

I hope not.

So my DS has language difficulties and Autism. He is 7. I joined him into our local football training, I was a bit apprehensive because DS hasn't played football ! (Has an odd kick of the ball) and I didn't know how the team would take to him. But anyway I went along with it.

To my surprise, when I took DS to football, he was engaged in the game. He was playing around, kicking the ball or tying to get hold of the ball to kick it. Though, when the coach was giving out instructions he found it hard to follow, didn't really join in the warm-up as he has slow language processing...so when the coach was shouting at exercises.. DS would process the information and do the instruction but the coach and the others kids have moved on to the next exercises instruction. Ifyswim.

But other than that, I was amazed how DS did in the match...he was throwing the ball appropriately, kicking it, stopping when the players stop it. I was proud as before he would of found these difficult.

But after the session, the coach told me that maybe it would be better for DS to go to a specialist football team (there's hardly any) as its due to his understanding of language or processing of language is slow. Also, he cannot provide the attention DS needs and he has to attend to all the other kids.

I do understand but I felt a bit deflated. DS in my eyes, did excellent as he has never played footie ever ! Plus his social skills difficulties etc... he seemed he did ok. But I don't know, should we look elsewhere ? Should I give up on DS doing football ? I told a friend this and she was shocked and thinks DS was excluded because of his disability ? But I've heard that football is quite competitive so the coaches naturally are ?? Idk.

What do you mumsnetters think ?

I know this thread's gone quiet but people might be interested in this (hope that link works!).

youcanget I'm a bit late with this posting - only looked at this thread today. I would definitely seek out a more inclusive fc. Your local town council will have details of any disability sports, which are all inclusive and are brilliantly run here in Wiltshire. Just look up the council's website. I know that we all want our kids to fit in to a mainstream club, but what could be the best thing, I think, for your DS is that it seems he has a flare for the sport, (as you have said you are impressed by his efforts) and by playing in a disability fc, he would be at the top of the team, rather than struggling with some of the elements in the mainstream club. This would give him a fantastic sense of achievement, instead of feeling he couldn't keep up with some of the instruction. They have plenty of trained helpers and would give your son the time and attention needed, as they do with all the participants. My DS loves the football sessions (actually that DS abbreviation has been a difficult one for me, as for me it's always meant Down's Syndrome, which is what my son has). Good luck