AIBU to feel overwhelmed trying to get my son into sport?

[Worklifebal]

I’m feeling really overwhelmed trying to get my son into sports. He’s 7 years old and I don’t know where I’m going wrong. Everywhere I’m trying is telling me either they full or I need to email so and so but then I never get a response! I chase up but no one replies.

I’ve even asked the mums in his class about contacts for sporting classes but people are so vague and don’t really give much info, for my daughter it was so different when people would ask for example ballet I would give them the contact number of the person.

I embarrassed myself last week by taking my son along to a football class his friend mentioned. I couldn’t get hold of them by phone on the website or email so decided to go and the guy turned us away and said I was supposed to put long socks and shin pads on him, I really feel lost, I feel if he had a suitable male figure in his life things would be different but I’m trying my best and getting nowhere. Feel really tearful. I am not sporty at all and how did I not realise for football you have to wear long socks and shin pads.

Why are you so desperate to get him into sport? For a male role model? Does he want to play football?

Why are you this upset over this? It really isn’t such a big deal. Have you posted on a local community facebook page asking for local groups? That’s worth a try. A lot of the football clubs will be full but usually you can ask to be contacted if there’s space. It’s not the end of the world if your son doesn’t do a sport - is this something he really wants or you really want?

Yes, they are strict about kids wearing shin pads for football training (and long socks to keep them in place), but don't worry, you'll know for next time. I agree with pp about asking on a local Facebook group.

Well don't feel tearful! It's just a blip!

Sounds as though the place you went would take him with the right protective gear. Can you get that and try again next week?

Is he keen? Does he do football at school? Could get try a different sport/activity? ... tennis, running, hockey? Even if he did no sport it is not a concern.

Maybe he could do tai kwondo or judo or something.

Lots of sports start classes at 5 or so and have toddler versions as well.

most sports have kit requirements.

is there a reason you want to get him into sports?

if it’s just you want him doing exercise then google is your friend - maybe pick something a bit more out of the way eg martial arts classes as lots of football and rugby stuff will be full.

Could be time of year with lots closing for summer. Football yes will always need socks & shin pads

Is he remotely interested in this? I'm 54 and never gave a shiny shite about football. Hasn't harmed my life :)

So as well as getting told about the shin pads etc, did you also get the other details you need to join the club?

This sounds like you're trying to do the thing you think a Dad would do, rather than something either of you want.

I struggle with getting any response from some sports clubs I approached for both my children. However I found cricket, gymnastics and swimming for both of them - maybe look for some other options!

Is there a junior parkrun near you?

Register on the parkrun website and just turn up to whichever one you want at 9am on a Sun morning. They tend to post updates on their fb pages to keep an eye on any cancellations (plus their own web page).

My two went from age 4, and having been lousy at sport, my logic was get them running young and then they'll never be a complete liability in PE. My oldest is dyspraxic and confidence at running does him a lot of good, and now as a teenager he gets selected for cross-country.

They also started karate at 7.

OMG! Typical response! No lady I’m not trying to get a role model for him. He’s very shy and teacher told me to get him friends he should do activities outside of class. Should I just not read any more responses?!

Are you just misunderstanding how football works? It’s not usually classes, it’s a club with the appropriate age group that your child would train and play matches either. And yes, they often have waiting lists. No need to be a
embarrassed your child didn’t have the correct kit. Did they say they had room for him if he comes with the right gear? Why are you sounding so frantic about it?

Jesus, OP, you seem to have a hair-trigger temper and/or be very easily upset.

Maybe this is the problem then as I don’t use social media. Is that how people find clubs? I’ve just been googling.

Just get the shin pads and long socks and take him to the next class, you'll get there!

Fine, but activities outside school does not automatically mean sport.

Scouts/cubs, drama, dance, boys' brigade, coder dojo, music lessons, choir, etc etc etc.

It’s great you’re trying to find something for him and I think it’s the same all over with kids clubs - they get over subscribed. Have you tried martial arts clubs? Great for confidence and discipline, etc, and you could even join! Don’t worry, you’ll get there 💐

Thank you! I feel embarrassed going back as the guy really shouted at me. A couple of mums came up to me and told me he’s like that and not to take notice but everyone was looking at me when he was shouting at me

Is he actually interested in football?

There are plenty of other clubs and activities he could do. Drama clubs are great for improving confidence.

Yes I can turn up next week but I feel kind of embarrassed as he told me off in front of everyone.

Good idea!

Post and ask in your local area FB group

Thank you I’ll take a look. Do I have to run too with him?

Is there a KIXX or similar near you? Ours is really relaxed, my DS loves it and it’s easy to join