Mathew , there are lots of pros and cons and people have different opinions on this .

mine is not about his ability its more around the social and phycological effects (being with friends stability ) 

question : how's does your son feel about it ,that's the most important thing , and if he decides to take this step it would be great to hear about his reflection good or bad 

Hi Barry, 

He says he doesn't mind about playing for the under 10's. But i know he loves playing for the under 9s. At the end of the day he will be the one making the decision on what team he plays for. I know it would be good for his development as a player and a person. But it is up to him. 

Afternoon Matthew

Its all about the player,

how he feels about it all, then how do the players in the 10's feel

would his current team welcome it?

would they make him feel welcome?

does the player know any of them?

what benifits can the player gain, good or bad?

how does the player get on with the other coach?

personally i think its great to mix years they make more friends, experience different opposition, different coaching styles.

if you rotate the players, maybe play them when they wouldnt have a game for the u9's

but for me i would try to give most of the games in the u9's this season

gradual introduction is better IMO there is no rush

all the best to your son

Hi Lee, 

He is a little nervous about playing with the under 10's. He doesn't know any of the boys in the under 10's. I told him that he will make new friends. It is the first time he would have played for a team that he does not have a friend in the team.

He does really like his coach in the under 9s. He is just getting to know the new coach in the under 10's.