Looking for physical activity for my 11 year old son who recently quit soccer

[Anonymous]

My 11 yo DS needs to have some physical activity. He used to play soccer from 5 yo - 10 yo.....but is now complete against it.
He has vetoed basketball/baseball/tennis and I am concerned about his weight which has creeped up this winter.
I am looking at biking clubs but am wondering if there are any other idea out there of things he can get involved on a weekly or 2x weekly basis.
(he tried parkour and didn't like it)

Thanks for any ideas!!

[Anonymous]

Track?
Flag football?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 11 yo DS needs to have some physical activity. He used to play soccer from 5 yo - 10 yo.....but is now complete against it.
He has vetoed basketball/baseball/tennis and I am concerned about his weight which has creeped up this winter.
I am looking at biking clubs but am wondering if there are any other idea out there of things he can get involved on a weekly or 2x weekly basis.
(he tried parkour and didn't like it)

Thanks for any ideas!!

He needs to pick something, not you.

[Anonymous]

Crossfit? There are some clubs that have youth/teen classes.

[Anonymous]

My 10 yr old likes wrestling, football, track and golf.

[Anonymous]

Parkour

[Anonymous]

Martial arts?

[Anonymous]

Swimming?

[Anonymous]

Why did he quit soccer and why did he veto your other listed options? Knowing that might help. Is it he's tired of team sports? Wanted shorter practice times? Was frustrated by losing? Didn't like competition? Wasn't playing with his friends?

If he seems burnt out on sports, you might try something like Boy Scouts that combines some physical activity with other things. If it was lack of friends, find out what his friends are doing. If it seems like he's nervous about jumping into something new, plan for a summer camp that introduces a bunch of sports so he can pick one. Offer off the wall things like ping pong and fencing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 11 yo DS needs to have some physical activity. He used to play soccer from 5 yo - 10 yo.....but is now complete against it.
He has vetoed basketball/baseball/tennis and I am concerned about his weight which has creeped up this winter.
I am looking at biking clubs but am wondering if there are any other idea out there of things he can get involved on a weekly or 2x weekly basis.
(he tried parkour and didn't like it)

Thanks for any ideas!!

He needs to pick something, not you.

It is hard at that age to find the things to do. Give her a break.

There's a nice squash program in McLean.

[Anonymous]

My 11 yr old does fencing. It meets twice a week and includes pretty intense conditioning exercises in addition to learning/practicing the fencing techniques.

[Anonymous]

my son started tae kwon at 12 and it has really worked out well. the studios are all over the place and the times are flexible. it fits in well with the varying demands of homework as they get older. and it has helped with confidence and discipline, both needed at this age. I know a lot of younger kids do tkd around here, and most are done by age 10. I really think 11 can be a good age to start. most studios have a month free trial, so check a few out.

[Anonymous]

fencing, martial arts, parkour, swimming, trampoline. Maybe see if a friend will sign up for some classes with him.

[Anonymous]

What area do you live?

[Anonymous]

This is the OP. Some really good ideas here! To answer a few questions:
I think that he is definitely ambivalent to try new things - and he is somewhat shy and reserved so the team sports thing didn't work out.
He is not one to run for the ball (soccer/basketball), when there are a bunch of other kids also doing the same. He would always "hang back", and then fail.

We have a friend who wants to join us so I think he will have a friend to join him!

Does anyone know of any biking clubs that meet in this area? We live in NWDC but I am open to NOVA and MD.
Thank you!!