I am asking advice as a parent of an 11 year old. He has played for the same team since u7 and has always been an asset to the team. He was a striker for the first 4 seasons and was described as the star striker by his coach and scored 30 goals in one season. 

For some reason this last season he was moved into defence which was a shock as he had always been a striker. I obviously questioned this with the coach and was told if I didn't like it then leave the club. I wasn't happy but my son loves the team and so put up with playing in defence for the whole season- he has obviously not played at his best this season as he is out of position but has always tried his best and is always a team player. 

After the teams last tournament of the season last week I received a text from the coach to say that he is releasing my son from the team and within minutes was removed from the teams WhatsApp group. Not had a chance to say goodbye to his friends who he's played with for years. Not even had the decency to speak to my son and thank him for his years of dedication to the team. 

My son is absolutely heartbroken. He loves that team and has now lost all confidence. I have asked the coach for an explaination but have not had a response. I have taken my concerns to the chairwoman and the safeguarding lead for the club who have both said there is nothing they can do as it off season and the coach can do what he wants. 

Is this right? Can they do this?