SOCCER ADVISE

[PSG-fan]

My son 11yrs tried out and made an academy team which is one of the best in the region. WE just moved to the area in July. However he was met with a toxic environment from teammates and has been unable to overcome it. He no longer wants to go to practice, much less games. Should he just gut it out. He's at his breaking point and has physical manifestations to the frustration/anxiety he feels. I've reached out to the coach, but just crickets. Is it best to move on? Appreciate any input.

[Rountree]

I'd say the operative word you used is "best". I assume by "best" you mean competitive, but is it the best team for your kid? Seems not. That said, spring season has started or will start soon, and it's hard to move at this point. He's a U11, and if it is one of the top teams in the area - aka Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, etc...you will find that's an age where parents are positioning kids to be the pros they are under the illusion they will become. I'd suggest staying at the same club but ask to move down a team. Tell the coach you want him to gain confidence, which is true. You'll likely find less drama, less attitude, less pressure, and more opportunity for success. You can then reassess with tryouts which are also approaching. If he moves and feels the same, it might be time to look inward.

[akindc]

Leave. Immediately.
Get away from the club entirely, as you don't want to be in a position where he should be on the top team, but doesn't want to be there.
We were in the same position...was miserable on the top team of a major club, left to another "lesser club" and then thrived, and eventually returned to the original team for MLS Next.

[nkosi]

Agreed, Leave.
He cannot learn soccer (nor can a student learn in school ) while he is " at his breaking point and has physical manifestations to the frustration/anxiety he feels."
Life is too short. Find a nice team.
I regret not pulling my child part way through 5th grade due to issues like you describe. I waited and pulled him at the end of the year. It was a mistake to wait.

[mdsoccerdad]

Jump ship. 8 years of soccer left to sort out where he should be. Leaving now wont affect that.

[Weghorst]

Yes, leave. The clubs in this area aren’t any good. There are some decent coaches here and there, so if your kid doesn’t have one - and it sounds like yours doesn’t - don’t hesitate to leave. If your kid is young and driven, be prepared to switch clubs at least a few more times.