I had an epiphany recently, and it involved sports – of all things. Our youngest is an inherently social creature. He talks. All. The. Time. This is contrasted with our older boy who would rather sit in a corner and read. This past fall he really wanted to play soccer. He’s young but phenomenally athletic and very independent so we decided to give it a shot. 
Having done the pre-soccer programs, and generally enjoying them, he was well prepared to know what to do and practices went very well. Balls were dribbled, goals were scored.
And then came the games.
Our first Saturday game came along and the whistle blew and our outgoing, chatty, always-moving child stood there – then walked to the sideline where we were and sat down. We ushered him back to the game but this continued to happen several times a game for the whole season. Practices were great, games were a hash.
What was going on?
Well I have a theory, and here it is: practice is an inherently social event, games are inherently antisocial. In practice you all work together – sure sometimes you scrimmage – but ultimately you’re all in it together with all your friends. In a game, half of the people are actively trying to beat you and not be friendly. I think our dear loquacious child was aware at some level that he didn’t really want to be part of that. Perhaps all that prattling on we do about treating people nicely, and love for your fellow person is getting through to him? It’s nice to think this, and he is a sweet boy, so here’s hoping.