9 yo new to football

Question
Hi, Coach Louis. I'm the Mom of a 3rd grader who begged to play football. His Dad and I explained to him how much hard work it would be several times but he insisted on playing. We paid the $150 and signed him up. He had his first practice last night (2 hrs) and has it again tonight. He is not the most athletic child and is already complaining. His Dad and I don't want him to be a quitter but don't want to be those parents who force their kid to play a sport that he has decided that he doesn't like and will be miserable trying to play the entire season. Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer
Dear Shirley:
I understand what you are going through. I went through the same thing with my daughter. She joined a basketball team and a short time latter (after some long practices) she wanted to quit. I told her that she could not quit until the season was over. She had a lot of fun that season, and by the end of the year she wanted to try out for the basketball team again. She did, and her team won the championship the following year, they went undefeated 10-0. Is this a happy ending? You tell me. The next year she went out for cheerleader and has never played basketball again. I now have a brand new basketball court in my back yard that has never been used. And it looks like it will never be used.

My advice is to hold firm. Most practices are long during the preseason and a lot shorter once the season begins. If you want your child to grow as an athletic, you must give him the time he needs to develop his skills.

Remember, you did not force your child to join the football team; you have nothing to feel guilty about. You are teaching your child two valuable lessons. You are teaching him the value of a dollar and to not quilt when things get tough.

As parents, all we can do is steering our kids in the right direction, being there when they need us, and giving them a big hug to let them know we care.

If there is anything else I can do please let me know and I will be more than happy to help you. Good luck fellow parent.

God Bless, Coach Louis