Leave. A harmless lie is called for here. Tell the old club it's a matter of logistics. Have him try something new and get him out of a bad situation. Chance are he'll make new friends within three weeks and never think about going back. He's too young to navigate his way out of abusive relationships. That's where you come in.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think he needs to finish the tryout. If he knows he will definitely turn down any offer, it is a waste of everyone's time.

I agree.

+1
I wouldn't make him go but I don't think you're wrong if you do make him go.

Don’t waste the other clubs time. It will leave a negative taste if you string them along.

Anonymous wrote:

It sounds like you want him to join the new club because you don't like the way the coach acts. He wants to stay because he wants to stay with his friends. If it's truly an abusive coach then you should leave regardless of what your son wants. If it's more stylistic and not having a negative effect on your son, I would let him decide

The coach was really mean at times, but sometimes he was very nice to my son (on an individual level, he was generally frustrated with the team as a whole). But, we've had good coaches at this team in the past, so my son's thinking is that we will in the future. Plus he says he does not care, that staying with his friends would be worth dealing with this guy.

Your son is smart and seems to have an understanding of how these things work better than you. Coaches almost always change. You know the cycle at your Club too. Our current one changes yearly, a lot of others had a 2-year cycle. If your son is happy with his friends and knows it's not forever with the guy and would rather be with kids he likes--there you have it. I would follow his wishes and keep him with friends. Also--sometimes better the devil you know. You never know what you might be walking into.