5 year old tantrums about footy

[mad88]

My just turned 5 yr old has been playing tag footy the last few months. He has been enjoying the training but seems to struggle with games and will often not participate or do naughty things on purpose running away etc. The last few weeks have been very busy with birthday parties lots of sugar and over stimulation. He has been having tantrums before we leave for footy mainly about wanting to do something else first. But when I ask if he still wants to play he says yes. I'm so confused I'm definitely not one to force my kids into sport if it's not for him that's ok too. I put him in because i know it's good for school readiness.. making friends etc not because I want him to play professionallly for the NRL one day. What should I do? Do I pull him out now? Give it a few weeks or end of season...

This isn't about the football. This is nerves/butterflies that he's struggling to express about going to something he finds very exciting but also challenging and a bit overwhelming. I'd talk it through step by step with him.
"It's football today. We'll make sure your shoes are comfy and you know where your drink is. You'll go with Dave to warm up. I will stand by the goal. If you feel funny inside you can look at me and I'll give you a thumbs up to help you feel calmer etc etc".

Am I the only one with a five year old who would zone out halfway through that 😅