Enjoying being a Keeper for the right reasons

My 9 year old is in his second season as a Keeper and like most Keepers he thrives from the challenge of making saves and keeping Clean Sheets. He has played with the same bunch of lads since Soccer School at 6 years old. If they are not playing together on Saturdays and Sundays they are having sleep-overs or days out. The whole team are inseparable and best buddies. Last October he was scouted and invited to train at Nottingham Forest. Strangely and possibly selfishly I am not the typical Parent that wants their kid to be at an Academy at all costs, but if it is what he wants to go then I will back him. On the plus side it was additional FREE training. The facilities were spot on and the Training was unbelievable. Preston thrived, really enjoyed the challenge and was invited back on several more occasions. Just before Christmas we went for the third time but he was a little off and not his usual self. I spoke with him after the session and he said he didn't want to go again. With mixed emotions I asked him why. The response I received was totally unexpected. He said if he was invited to the Academy he wouldn't be able to play football with his mates again and they are the reason he loves playing so much. He was upset that he wouldn't even be able to play with his school friends either. He still wants to be a footballer when he grows up but in his own words, not yet. They have asked him to return again later this year but whether this happens, we will have to wait and see. Has anyone else experienced anything similar and are kids at this age actually mentally mature enough for the journey

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