A viral video involving a 3-year-old soccer star in Florida has people debating whether adults took youth sports way too far.
Nevada Pierre may only be three years old, but videos show the little soccer player dominating on the field against children who are four and five.
During a recent i9 Sports game in Winter Park, Florida, police were called following a dispute involving Nevada’s parents and league officials.
Nevada’s family says the problems started because their son was simply too good.
His father can be heard in the viral video saying police were called because Nevada had the ball too much and other children could not take it away from him.
However, the league director gave police a different version of events. He said there had been concerns about Nevada pushing other players and alleged that his parents became disruptive while arguing over playing time and officiating.
Nevada’s mother, Martasia Griffin, disputes that account. She says her son had been unfairly targeted throughout the season because of his talent.
Police ultimately determined the disagreement was a civil matter. Nobody was arrested, trespassed or forced to leave the park.
The league refunded Nevada’s registration fees and says it is reviewing what happened.
But Martasia says the experience had a real impact on her son. Nevada still wants to play soccer, but she says he is now afraid to return to that particular field because he thinks he did something wrong.
He is three years old.
At what point do adults have to remember that youth sports are supposed to be about letting kids play and have fun?