Sport is amazing. Not everyone loves it, but many do, and I really feel it is an incredible outlet for people of all ages.

I feel like Ireland is a fantastic sporting country. We have had many brilliant football moments over the years, we’ve had a rugby team who have been right up there with the best in the world, brilliant golfers, and amazing athletes. We have an abundance of talent and drive.

We’ve seen so many successful teams and individuals, and let’s not forget our own Gaelic Games, a cultural phenomenon unlike anything else across the world (in my opinion).

As the underage sporting season draws to a close, it’s time for coaches and parents to take a breath, reflect, and maybe even have a cup of tea in peace without rushing around looking for shinpads, gumshields, and water bottles.

This has been my sixth consecutive year coaching underage sports teams, aside from a seventh year in which I was involved with coaching an under-15 boys’ soccer team a few years back. As is common, it has been my own children being involved with their local teams that has drawn me into the world of coaching.

I’m involved in a varying degree with four teams across GAA and soccer in both girls’ and boys’ teams. In some, I’m heavily involved, and in others I drop in and help at the training sessions when I’m around.

A few things have become clear during........

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