My son (10) asked me to let him take a break from football next season, im not sure if I should push him to play or let him take a break?

He's been playing since he was 7. He whines about getting ready for practice sometimes but then loves practice and games. He plays really well and says he wants to play and then says he doesn't want to play.
I told him he could play any other sport if he'd like, take an art class or music class and he says he just wants to take a year break and go back to football after next year.

This past season their team didn't make it past quarter finals and I'm wondering if maybe that has something to do with his indecisiveness? I explained to him that not every season will be the best season ever and they had a lot of new kids last year that were still learning and the team functions as a whole.
Anyways my now 7yr old is playing and won't stop practice even in the house. My 10yr old helps him with his technique, and they watch a lot of football highlight reels on YouTube.
I told him even if he doesn't play he'll be with me at practices because my younger son is playing.
Partially I think he is trying to save us some cash because we have twins on the way.
He says "but who is going to help you with the babies if me and my brother are practicing?"
I had to remind him that the babies are MY responsibility and not his.

Anyways I don't want to push him if he genuinely lost interest but as much as he is into helping his brother, as much time he watches highlight reels on YouTube and even his own and his brothers highlight reels from his and his brothers games Im not sure he's ready to give up.

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SW-User

I tell my son he HAS to pick two things. It can be anything. Swimming, music, art, gymnastics, anything.

It has helped him figure out what he wants and likes to do.

I think my son stopped playing football at 10. He basically figured out it was never going to be like tv or throwing the ball with me. I had no problem with him stopping the "sport."

KaysHealingPath · 36-40, F

I give my boys that option too
They can pick any 2 they want, it really doesn't matter as long as they are involved in something other than tv and video games.
I know he is still facinated with football because that's all he ever talks about. He is really good and has won individual awards at the banquet each year since he started participating. He's gotten the iron man 2 out of 3 years he's played and defensive player of the year 3 yrs in a row.
I just don't want him to NOT play just because he thinks he's going to save us money that he thinks would be better spent on the babies on the way. Especially when there's no need for it.

SW-User

When do you need to make any decisions. The truth for why he is making his decision may take weeks for him to formulate and longer for him to finally tell you.

KaysHealingPath · 36-40, F

@Kindheartedguy: if he wants to play flag he has until the end of January to decide.
But if he wants to bypass flag he had to mid/end of march to decided on tackle.

SW-User

My son loved flag football. I couldnt get him into a league but he'll do the YMCA classes.

KaysHealingPath · 36-40, F

as long as he's enjoying something is all that counts.