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.

My kids aren't that age yet so I have no useful advice for OP (good luck though!) but I'm surprised at all the comments saying who cares, sport isn't essential, my son hated football etc. All children should be given the opportunity and gift of sports exposure, both the physical exercise and the team culture (in a broad sense - I know many people who have strong relationships from running buddies, sparring partners etc as well as traditional team sports).

It's irrelevant to say your kid hated sports - I myself wasn't tremendously keen as a teenager. OP's son hasn't even had a chance yet!

Good luck OP you are doing a great thing for your son, please don't give up. 7 is in no way too late.

I totally agree as a (very unsporty) parent of a very sporty kid. Sport is hugely important for kids and many of the threads you read about depressed teens spending all their time gaming in their rooms can be alleviated by getting them into sports at an early age.

Well done OP and don't give up. You'll definitely find a club to suit your son.

Agree, it’s non negotiable for our dc. I didn’t think ds2 was sporty and he chatted with a friend for most of his first year of football but is now a useful committed team member.

Where abouts are you based? If you look up 2-3 local sports clubs and drop them a note, I am sure you will get a response. For football, you can also look at https://littleleaguefootball.uk/ - that is for all ages and abilities - my son started when he was 6 and loves it.

Definitely try a different sport than football.
I rarely hear positive things about it, even the parents I know who endure it find it hard going. If it's not the coach, it's the team playing time or the parents or the kids are cliquey.... It is such an accessible sport but there is something definitely wrong with the culture of it.

I'm sure some love it but if your son isn't absolutely desperate to play, try something else. Rugby, cricket, martial arts - all sports I've had really positive experience with for my kids. BMX if you have a club nearby is also super friendly and inclusive in my experience. Have you considered beavers /cubs? They introduce so many new activities, that might give him an idea of what he might like to try?

It's a bit disheartening to have such negative experiences, I get why you are upset but I hope you find something that suits you both. Being part of a club that is well run and friendly makes a world of difference and can really give you a great social circle too.

Definitely try a different sport than football.I rarely hear positive things about it, even the parents I know who endure it find it hard going. If it's not the coach, it's the team playing time or the parents or the kids are cliquey.... It is such an accessible sport but there is something definitely wrong with the culture of it

I agree. My ds had a much better time with athletics (and cubs/scouts).

Too late for this year but both of mine have done cricket through All Stars, kit provided.

https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars

Also did an introduction to tennis over 12 weeks, not sure if it still runs but it was through LTA

https://www.lta.org.uk/

Both are national programs delivered by local clubs. Scouts is also great for kids building friendships.

Don’t worry at all OP, I wouldn’t have known this either. Can you go back to that football club next week (or after it starts again after the summer, Inthink football sometimes stops in summer?) with the right kit and see if he will let your son join?

It’s always hard when something is new but don’t feel bad, you will find something for him.

Could you have a kick around yourself with your son. Or if you have a neighbour with kids ask if they want to go for a kick around in the park??

Yes, tap maybe, or street dance? Balance, co-ordination, rhythm, musicality, actual fun - and it is personal advancement and improvement that doesn't rely on being picked for (or dropped by) a team run by a favouritism-showing despot. And you don't have to stand outdoors for hours in all weathers watching them do it.😁

Extra-curricular activities don't have to be sports-related.

Sounds like you are nearly there with a football club, once you have the socks and shin pads. I wouldn't see that as the disaster that you are making it.

Try the local rugby club too, which you can find on Google. In my experience they are much more welcoming (due to a smaller pool of players). Cheap too. DS's costs about £90 per year for all training, tournaments and loan of a shirt for the year.

A lot of places should be running multi sports summer clubs so he could try several things. Just Google your local area.

Please tell me you’re not taking him back there!!

My sons’ Jujitsu sensei could shout - but only when they were being disruptive, and never at the parents! I’d steer well clear of that!!

I’s start with Beavers (pre-Cubs). If there are t any places get on a waiting list for Cubs. The website should show you where your local packs are - often in Church halls. Beavers are for for 6-8 year olds, Cubs 8-10. Lots of activities and challenges and usually a summer camp, or at least a day camp and maybe an overnight. My Church’s Beavers do an overnight actually in the Church Hall where they meet every week so where they all know where the toilets are! Cubs do at least one weekend camp each summer.

Swimming lessons I’d also prioritise.

Neither of mine did football outside school PE lessons. To be honest it was far more pleasant watching jujitsu inside a sports hall than freezing or getting soaked on the edge of a football pitch.