SoccerPlayer. I do hope the recommendations we have made are of some help to you. It appears all are in agreement that seeking help from school authority figures is an important route to helping your fried's situation (including you.

You mentioned a step-brother. Is your friend the biological son or the step son?

My ex had a great deal of difficulty over a similar situation (interestingly also over soccer). It was my son that excelled while his own son wasn't quite as stellar. We really had to concentrate hard on positively encouraging his son. I know at times his dad was a great deal disappointed but thank goodness he hid that from the boys. WHile we encouraged the bio son to continue with soccer, we also encouraged him to find other activities. While the one boy then excelled at a single sport, his brother I think was more rounded.

Is it possible then to encourage your friend to find alternate or additional activities?