What about signing him up for flag football? Kids really should be taking shots in the head at such a young age. I think they will learn more playing flag football and have more fun. You also run the chance of him burning out early, it happens more than you think. We have a youth program in cannon county, but the coaches don't understand that at that age it isn't about winning it is about having fun, learning fundamentals, and making friends. I think 12 to 14 year old is good time to start pads.