I've checked with the lad's coach, and it seems his parents are suffering a bit with the tough economy and can't afford to get him the proper kit. The club meeting is next week and I'm going to propose that we start our own kickback program to get outgrown but still serviceable kit back into use!
That was my feeling, as well. I've read enough of your posts to know you'd be on the lad's side, but sometimes folks overhear something meant in kindness and take umbrage. Good on you and your girlfriend to befriend the kids whose parents treat practice and games as a babysitting option, because they can't be bothered with actually, y'know, being involved in their children's lives...
