I just saw that every A team in that organization is playing up. So according to you, every one is avoiding their year. These teams may get beat , but I admire people challenging themselves. Come springtime, when lax is in full swing, no football/soccer conflicts 3 or 4 times a week. All these teams will play each other several times. Worry about your own son chief. Wishing 9 year old kids to get beat down, that shows what type of person you are.
At 10 years old I prefer my son playing against kids his own age. I wouldn't want him playing up nor do I want him playing kids younger than him. Here is a big difference in size at this age. Just play your age so everyone gets good practice.
