Police were called to a youth football match near Orlando, Florida, after a dispute involving the parents of a three-year-old player who had been scoring heavily against older children.
Footage from the incident has prompted claims that the child, Nevada, was removed because he was exceptionally good. However, Thomas Hayes, a director of the youth league, told officers that the issue concerned alleged pushing during games and arguments involving the boy’s parents.
Body-camera footage shows Mr Hayes acknowledging Nevada’s ability. “The kid is very good … He’s great. Really good,” he told police.
He said the child was “really advanced compared to the other ones” and had been scoring a lot of goals, but added that Nevada was also pushing other players. Mr Hayes said he had previously told the children not to push and had removed some players, including Nevada, during an earlier match.
“They don’t like that,” he told officers, alleging that Nevada’s parents had objected when referees were instructed to stop their son pushing other children. He said the family had created “a big scene, arguing with other parents”.
Nevada’s mother disputed that account. She told police that she and the child’s father always stood on the opposite side of the pitch from the other parents to avoid causing disruption.
“They’re literally kicking him out of this place because he’s good at soccer,” she said in the body-camera footage. In a video recorded by the family, Nevada’s father can be heard saying: “They called the police on a 3-year-old because he’s too good.”
Nevada’s mother said the coach had allowed him to remain in his latest match on the condition that he passed the ball, but that police became involved about halfway through the game. She also said she saw other parents gather and discuss him during the match.
Speaking to media personality Lauren Lorosa, she said: “My son is already dressed. I cannot explain to my 3-year-old son that he cannot play today because he is so good.”
Mr Hayes said he wanted the family to leave and was prepared to offer them a refund.
The incident has attracted widespread online support for Nevada and his family. YouTube personality Rachel Accurso, known as Ms Rachel, commented on a post about the case that she would love to have Nevada on her show.
Others criticised the parents, with one coach writing: “These parents should be ashamed of themselves.”
The i9 Sports league said it was aware of concerns about an incident at a local programme and was taking them seriously.
“The respectful treatment and well-being of every child and family matter deeply to us,” the league said. “We are working to understand the circumstances and will not speculate or share unverified information.”
