You’ve just come home from Scotland where you spent some time with Uncle Smart. You’ve been to Africa, spent time with family and seen things few kids your age do. That trip wasn’t a break-up; it was a reset, a reminder that dreams—especially big ones like football—need work, mindset, and heart. In Parenting a 12 Year Old with Big Dreams, I wrote that talent isn’t enough — dreams need effort, focus, coachability, and humility to last.
This summer, You:
- Shared life with cousins, uncles and Aunties you respect,
- Walked the dusty roads I once walked to school,
- Saw children begging or raising money just to eat,
- And quietly offered 25p to a young girl through your car window—and watched as seven more kids appeared seeking help. That moment knocked something loose inside you.
That was real. That was perspective.
Remember Our Flight Documentary?
We watched Sachin Tendulkar’s story—the legend who batted for eight hours a day even when his hands were bleeding. He failed a lot. Got bowled. Got criticism. Lost his father during the World Cup, then came back to score a century. He stayed humble. He kept working.
That’s how greatness is built.
Now What’s Next?
You’re back in the UK now. And you’ve got a choice. Will you build like Sachin, or fade like the forgotten star whose talent didn’t last? Remember Islam Feruz?
Here’s the plan:
1. Train for Sports Day
This season: focus on 400m and 800m races, and aim to top the discus throw leader board. We must both commit to doing at least 10hours every week of football engagement. This means early morning starts and a consistent bedtime routine. No Excuses!
2. Stay Coachable
I have been impressed with your positive attitude since you returned home and this needs to continue. When a coach gives feedback—listen. Learn. Adjust. Don’t argue or stay stuck on “how you’ve always done it.” We are all here to help you grow and get better. To help ensure you one day become a professional footballer. It is possible.
3. Keep School Strong
Follow examples like Michelle Agyemang, who helped England win the Women’s Euros 2025 — all while studying at a top UK university.
She shows you can be brilliant on and off the field. She highlighted the importance of discipline and consistency. You have shown that you can be disciplined and consistent and you have more than one trophy in your trophy cabinet to prove this. Please, son, let’s raise the standards. The stakes are a lot higher now.
4. Lead with Kindness
Remember those kids in traffic? That small act mattered. Leadership isn’t just goals and medals—it’s empathy, respect, and raising others up.
Why It All Matters
- Talent gets you in.
- But discipline, focus, and attitude keep you in the game. We’ve always had this conversation.
You are not just building a footballer—you’re building a new you. Inspired by the Africa trip, by Sachin’s grit, and by role models who did it all with dignity.
The Final Word
You have the talent.
But now it’s time to match it with effort, humility, and vision.
You told me in Africa, “Dad. Give me one more year” Here it is!
I hope you make this season your reset season. Push harder. Lead kinder. Study better. Race faster. Throw further. Grow deeper.
I believe in you—now show up for yourself. Let’s do this, Starboy.
