I couldn't run after my injury after 40 years of doing such. I discovered swimming, it definitely wasn't something I looked forward to each day like I had running....but now I love it.

Life in someways is much like a candy store and so is sports, more to choose from than a lifetime can accomplish at the skill level some of us desire.

I would hazard a guess that your son has a competitive spirit in him and there are many ways to express and satisfy it as well as challenging his physical skills. I think I would try to point this out to him....what he misses is competition and learning/training his mind and body to accomplish.

There is a huge candy store out there to satisfy that and soccer is but only one of many outlets for his nature.

Bud