Do they have small groups that play soccer at his school?? I can understand him being worried about being hurt / injured especially if he has witnessed some results of some. Is your backyard big enough for just 2 or 3 other boys around his age or just a little older who would play with him to help him build his confidence gradually. Perhaps arrange to meet some at a safe park if that is more suitable.

My son is like this also. How about trying a soccer skills program instead to boost his confidence. Once he has the basics down he will feel more confident playing for a team =)

Have you tried something like little kickers? They aren’t as scary as an actual game and they are all little. You can probably also just start playing with him at home and build his confidence. Maybe take him to a live game and show him what its like. Never force him to do it because it will probably make him more scared just slowly try and encourage him to try it out.

Plenty of encouragement in a situation like you that’s really all you can do and show him how much fun it is to play team sports and make a ton of new friends

A lot of kids are like this, especially when they’re just starting out at something. Just take him along to games and training and see how he goes