Bad Football Experience

[Bordermum]

I took my nearly-4-year-old son to mini kickers last week and he hated it. (mini kickers is a fun football thing for 2 1/2 to 4 year-olds, run by the SFA) I was socked by this because he's usually quite willing to join in when other kids are playing, but he choked back the tears for the whole hour. I was watching and it was heartbreaking. He came over for a cuddle in the breaks between sessions, and bravely went back when they started again.
He seemed awkward and embarrassed, he seemed not to understand the activities and he seemed unwilling to join in.
I have memories of experiences like this when I was a child - I was terrified of team sports and felt socially awkward, but 4 seems very young to fell that way.
He says he doesn't want to go back next week, and I'm not sure I want to put him through it again. On the other hand he might like it better now he knows what's involved.
Any ideas?

Don't do it! I took my 5.5 year old for swimming lessons and had a similar experience. However, I think swimming is an essential skill and he doesn't get any choice! I did spend some time with him pointing out who else was there - he's always a sucker for if older boys are enjoying something... but nearly 4 is still actually only 3 and sounds incredibly young to be doing this sort of thing. Some kids thrive on it - but I bet a large amount don't. And if you never liked this sort of thing - maybe he won't either. They aren't compulsory! Maybe there is something that is a little competitive or complicated that he could try - can't think of anything mind you, but maybe just soft play somewhere? Good luck!