Too much sport for 10 year old

[ladymuck]

My 10 year old nephew plays rugby, trains twice a week and has a match on Saturdays. He now wants to play football on the days he doesn't play rugby. His grandad is stopping him from doing this and says he can do one or the other because its too much for his knees. My opinion is he is 10 years old as fit as a fiddle and it keeps him occupied. Whats the difference in him playing football in the park with his friends than playing with a team? Is this right will it really be damaging his knees?

[sandmaster]

Oops - my answer seems to have disappeared somewhere. I'd encourage him. He obviously has plenty of energy to burn and it is enlightening to see a youngster want to take part in sport rather than sit in front of the tv.
If you cannot convince his grandfather how about getting him to join a swimming club. It will keep him fit, make him look fit when he is older and may (who knows) save his life one day. I always encouraged my children to swim and they have had tremendous fun on holidays over the years when other children have had to stay in the shallow end!! My son also played rugby and my daughter danced and owned horses.

[ethanryan]

hi i would say let him do as many activities as possible. my boys are 2 and 3 and if i could get them into sports clubs at there age they would be there. one thing i hate to ser is realy over weight and un fit children there is no excuse for it ( unless medical problems ) my boys go for walks through the woods and fields for hours and love it plus its giving them excercise

[sqad617]

Will he be damaging his knees? NO

[Oneeyedvic]

I used to play for my school and my county 1st XV and played football for my school (as well as cricket and hockey). Since leaving school (I am 34), I pretty much stopped playing team sports, though I still play squash.

I had to take a break from playing squash earlier this year and had to see my doctor as I was getting some pains in my right knee. After an examination, my Doc did explain that this was to be expected after all the sports I played as a kid, but said that I should lose weight (which I already knew), and go back to playing squash when I could.

I firmly believe that he should carry on playing - but ensure that when he leaves school, encourage him to keep up a port so that he can maintain his weight and fitness.