Thanks for this. It inspired me to share this... My little one is playing football, and it's so rewarding to watch him getting up and ready for early training sessions, his passion for the game drives him to continuously improve himself and become a more confident person in all aspects. After training, we talk about it on the way back home, and I tell him what he did well. I'm not a coach but at home, I help him with little things like passing the ball, coordination etc. I'm not expecting him to ever become a professional or exceptional football player, but as you've rightfully pointed out, it's rather about the importance sports can play in character-building, and in shaping our personalities...

Have you ever tried any internal martial arts? I'm convinced that with your prior experience, and intelligence, you'd achieve mastery in record time. If you ever happen to be in London on a Saturday afternoon, come and push hands with us at the bandstand in the Regent's Park.