5 year old doesn't want to do football after school anymore because he doesn't like trips and bumps

[Hitchyhero]

I have a 5 year old that doesn't want to go to the after school football club anymore because he said he gets hurt (by accident) sometimes and he doesn't like it.

I'm happy for him to leave if he's not enjoying it, but I do want him to do some sort of sporting activity / team sport. My concern is no matter what sport I put him in, he will have a similar view.

He seems to be very sensitive to pain, in the sense that if he falls over or gets a tiny scratch it's the end of the world. He begs for bandages or plasters for extremely minor and temporary pains like falling over at home....and I get the feeling this is what's happening in his football club. Does anyone else have a child like this? Is there anything I can do to get him to deal with trips and bumps a little better?

Perhaps he just doesn't like football, not every body does. Don't make him go if he doesn't like it.

Try swimming!

He doesn't need to enjoy anything that leads to bumps and getting hurt. I dont! Maybe he would enjoy swimming, athletics, or any other non contact sport instead

Thanks.

He did used to go swimming when he was 3.5-4.5.b...but he said he got a bored and didn't want to go anymore (but now he's saying he wants to go again!).

The joys!

Maybe try him with an indoor racket sport. Table tennis has a lovely little community I've found. Badminton is also great for hand eye co-ordination. Not necessarily a team sport but he can get the same feeling by being part of your local club and making friends that way.

My DD went through a phase of the dramatics about every tiny scratch. Grew out of it thankfully but in the meantime I’d forget football, it’s just an after school club not a youth academy so he can go back anytime. Get him back swimming, if he’s bored I’d consider different lessons but it’s an essential life skill so going would be non negotiable for me. Also if he wants more active stuff on top of that then dance, tennis, athletics or gymnastics might suit.

I'd tell him bumps and falls are part of the game. If he doesn't like it then he needs to stop going.

I'd also avoid bumps being a source of attention, ie don't fuss over him "it doesn't need a plaster Ill kiss it better" and send him on his way.

I tried everything for my son, he hated them all. Found out later, he has dyspraxia.

I’d support his right to bodily autonomy. Hopefully the days of toughening up little boys through play battles to desensitise them for war are past.
There are plenty of ways to move and be fit and healthy that don’t involve being hurt.

I'd let him drop it for now - his coordination and strength will increase a lot over the next year or so, and he will be able to pick it up then if he wants.

In the meantime get him swimming, take him to junior parkrun, get him cycling (and go cycling together) and kick a ball around with him at home. My son liked gymnastics at that age too.

Football is quite rough even at this age. I'd let him stop - there are lots of other sports that involve no/less contact. How about cricket if you want a team sport rather than individual?

How about dance? Great for fitness, coordination and fun.

Dance
Running
Beavers
Cricket (if All-stars still exists, it might be perfect... its an 8 week course rather than a commitment)
Tennis
Climbing
Drama

Lots of non contact sports and aCtivities

I have a 5 year old that doesn't want to go to the after school football club anymore because he said he gets hurt (by accident) sometimes and he doesn't like it.

Fair enough! They change as they grow. It might be into it in a year, or he may never enjoy it. Just keep trying new things so he has exposure.