Local Boy Quits Soccer After Parents' Sideline Antics Score More Attention Than His Gameplay

11-year-old Timmy Henderson announced his retirement from the sport, citing his parents' unrelenting sideline bickering with his coach as the primary reason.

"I just wanted to kick the ball, but Mom and Dad turned every game into their own personal courtroom drama," Timmy stated, while solemnly packing away his barely used cleats.

The Hendersons, known for their passionate and often theatrical disputes with Coach Mike about Timmy's playing time, have become more of a fixture at the games than the halftime orange slices. Witnesses report that Mr. and Mrs. Henderson's arguments often included elaborate PowerPoint presentations, surprise witnesses, and, on one occasion, a poorly trained dove meant to symbolically represent their son's underutilized talent.

Coach Mike, who has been with the team for over a decade, expressed both frustration and relief. "Timmy's a great kid, but I think I've heard 'My son could be the next Messi if you just played him!' more times than I've actually seen Messi play," he commented, adjusting a headset he now wears to block out parental feedback.

The final straw came last Saturday, when the Hendersons, clad in custom-made "Team Timmy" jerseys, launched a misguided protest by chaining themselves to the goalposts, inadvertently leading to a game-winning goal against their son's team.

"I just want to go back to playing Fortnite," Timmy sighed, while his parents prepared their appeal to the local youth sports council, complete with a 3D model of the soccer field and a petition signed by their two cats.

The soccer community has rallied around the beleaguered coach, with one parent noting, "It's youth soccer, not the World Cup. Though, given the Hendersons' theatrics, you'd never know the difference."

As for Timmy, he's looking forward to a quieter life, free from the drama of youth sports. "Maybe I'll try chess," he mused. "But only if Mom and Dad promise to stay home."