I was talking to a young man last week and I asked him a question: "What sports meant to him?"

His reply impacted me so much I wanted his voice to be heard in this week's column.

He said: "I got into sports because my father wanted me to; he seemed excited and proud when telling me how good he was; his stories were great and made me proud he was my father.

"But, that is neither why I have a passion for sports nor why I love it. Mr. Bascome, my father seems to have gone missing. No he has not passed, not living abroad, not even locked up, but he stays five minutes away from me. I just do not see him anymore. I really thought me playing sports would make him happy and he would be in my life more.

"I am 15-years-old and love playing cricket and soccer. I cannot wait some days for training to come, thinking he would show up. Nowadays I just seem to lose hope and play sports to avoid getting into trouble.

"Mr. Bascome, yes, I love my father but do not understand what is going on. I do not understand why he does not want to be in my life.

"I remember the time my tears would not stop running after he had promised my mom he would be there and never showed up.

"I stopped asking my mom for my father, I stopped because I am older and realised she has been protecting him with excuses. Mom I am sorry, I must have put a lot of stress on you with all those questions and you having to search for answers.

"Mr. Bascome, I do not want to give up on him, I just want him to show up, I want him to be proud of me like I was for him, I want him to hug me, like when I was young and call me his buddy and his best friend again.

"I am confused and feel lost, but do not want to be a pain to my mom anymore, but just need my father in my life. I need him to watch me and tell me he loves me, one more time.

"So, without sports life would be a headache. Now cricket is over and soccer has started I could continue to keep busy. Sometimes I get upset in training because my peers do not appreciate the game like I do, but my coach is cool, though, and has taken the role as a father figure for me. Believe it or not, he does not even know it. He is another reason why I like sports.

"I ask you Mr. Bascome, please do not put my name in the paper. It is not that I am afraid but feel my father would not like it and never speak to me. I just hope he reads this column and feels sorry for this young kid, but then realises he is doing the same with his own "me".

"Mr. Bascome, I want to thank you for giving me a voice. I feel better that I get to share this not only for me but the other kids out there sitting around waiting for their father or mother to show up."

Young man, I thank you, as do so many reading the column this week.

You are strong and have plenty of courage. I ask you to continue to be open with your mom and share your feelings with her, make sure you do not keep it bottled up because that could cause more pain.

If your emotions are getting out of control, then ask her for more support.

The parents reading this column that have not been involved with their kids' lives, please try hard to be in theirs. They are hurting and need you.

I do not know about your life but understand that life is tough for all but our young people should mean the world to you.

You need to find them and love them, they have a tender heart and would forgive you, please go get them before it is too late.

Sports is a safe place for many not just me. It is a place where we find hope, love and unity. Let's protect it and keep it clean.

Until next time!