Social anxiety holding my son back

[Quandress]

My 16 year old has been offered a place at a college that specialises in sport which is his passion.
However they want him to take part in an interview and he flatly refuses because of his social anxiety.
I have tried good cop bad cop with him, pointing out that he’s going to miss out on a great opportunity but it’s not working.
Anyone else have this issue with their child and how do you cope with it?

It would be a good idea to find a clinical psychologist and let him work on how to feel better. It will be more important than the sport in the long run. I had to do this and it really transformed my life.

Is it worth speaking to the college and explaining to see if they can offer something else that would make him less anxious?

I agree some help with his anxiety would help but not likely in time to help him get a college place for September.

Does he have a teacher he likes at school that could go with him?

Someone I know whose child left sixth form due to not coping and someone from the school accompanied them to the interview as support. I’m aware that this is probably going above and beyond.

Does it have to be face to face? There should be adjustments for his anxiety. Online or phone perhaps? If he cannot do this how does he manage to participate in sport and attend school/college?

My son was exactly like yours and I know how stressful it can be for you both
I would contact the college I'm sure they will be really happy to speak to your son and reassure him. They may even have someone there who can talk him through his anxiety and give him some tips. The best thing for my son was college his confidence shot right up and he's now working as a youth worker.

It feels like it'll always be like this but it doesn't have to with the right support.

Cognitive behavioural therapy. May not help in time for the interview but will in the long term - if he’s motivated to change things.

Thanks. Some good advice here. Think I will contact the college and see if they can help.
He's actually in a local football team and he's fine. Same with going to school where he has a great circle of friends. His problem is with strangers.