My son, Tony, football player, age 13

Question
My son, Tony came up to the midget level at the age of 12.  He plays Pop Warner football. He just turned 13 on 1/24/08.  Most of the kids on his team are 14 and 15.  He is 5' 8" and weights 138 lbs.  Last season, he played center and started.  However, this year he wants to be a fullback, but his coaches are saying that he needs another year on the line.  My son is very unhappy and feels that he is being overlooked by his coaches because the other kids are older.  How do I encourage my son to pace himself and stress the importance of patients?  He loves football and I do want to see him stressing over this.  Thank you.

Answer
   This is a tough question, because I see this all the time at all levels of football.  The only advise I can give is to sit and talk to him about how he is the youngest player on the team.  And that he should be encouraged that most kids his age aren't even in this high a level.  So earning any starting spot on the team would be considered a great accomplishment for someone so young.  Also it might be possible for him to be considered for the back up fullback position as well as center.  Maybe the coaches can start grooming him for next season at fullback, if you talk to them.  GOOD LUCK COACH NOEL!