Former TeamSG Athletes on Parenting, Play and Passing On Values

Q1: How do you make time for active play with your family amidst your busy schedule, and what does that family time mean to you?

Bryan: Time with my son is non-negotiable — it's precious, and playing and moving together is something I genuinely treasure. I stay intentional with my work and keep things efficient, and I'm fortunate that the culture within CoachSG is one that prioritises family. At the end of the day, that time means everything to me. It's where I feel happiest and most present.

Leon: We plan our weekly activities in advance so we can find pockets of free time between work and the kids' commitments — school, CCA, tuition and catechism. Active play matters to us because we want our kids to have balance, and we believe sport plays an important role in their development.

Q2: You’ve competed at the highest level in sport. How did you handle your child’s first encounter with sports?

Bryan: I started off pretty relaxed where the focus was for him to play freely and explore new skills. But if I'm honest, the competitive athlete in me does creep in from time to time where I set higher standards for him to challenge him further. I constantly remind myself to let him be a kid, enjoy the process, and not put too much pressure on him. It's a balance I'm still working on.

Leon: With my kids, it's all about encouragement and getting them to try new things, recognising that they'll naturally enjoy some sports more than others. At a young age, developing motor skills is the priority — there's always time later to build technical skills.

Q3: How has your sporting journey influenced the kind of parent you are, and the values you hope to pass on to your children?

Bryan: Sport has shaped a big part of who I am. As a parent, I want to pass on values like discipline, resilience and the willingness to keep showing up even when things get tough. More than that, I want my son to experience the joy of sport — the friendships, the lessons, the growth. Winning is great, but who you become through sport matters more to me.

Leon: Having played hockey since I was five, sport has been central to shaping who I am. Discipline, teamwork, respect, resilience and determination are just some of the values I hope my kids will take from it. Through sport, children also learn how to handle disappointment, deal with setbacks and stay humble in success.

I was exposed to many sports growing up — cricket, rugby, tennis — and I encourage my kids to do the same. I hope it helps them grow into well-rounded individuals. If they eventually excel in a particular sport, that's a bonus.

Q4: With so much digital content competing for children’s attention today, how do you keep them motivated and excited about physical activity?

Bryan: I won't lie — sometimes the iPad is part of the deal. A little incentive goes a long way. But beyond that, I try to show him that nothing beats actually playing together — running around, laughing, competing. It's tough going up against games like War Robots and Brawl Stars, but I keep showing up, encouraging him, and sharing clips from my playing days or bringing him along to watch me compete. It's an ongoing effort, but one that's worth it.

Leon: I think digital content and sport can actually complement each other. There's so much sports-related content online, and it can be a real motivator. My son came across taekwondo videos on YouTube, which inspired him to give the sport a try — and he's been on that journey since earlier this year.

Q5: How has sport brought your family together? Is there a particular memory that stands out?

Bryan: Sport is something we genuinely bond over. My son is trying everything right now — tennis, table tennis, swimming, football, rugby and BJJ. One thing we share is our admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo: his work ethic, discipline and resilience. But the moment I'll never forget is when he scored his first rugby try during a trial session. As a rugby dad, that was something really special.

Leon: For us, it's about maximising time together through sport — whether that's a regular brunch after Sunday morning hockey, or planning a family holiday around my son's hockey trips so we can be there to support him.

Join the Fun at FunFam SportFest 2026

FunFam SportFest 2026 celebrates these same everyday acts of connection.

Over two days, families can discover new sports, pick up tips for healthier living and create meaningful moments together.

Because every simple sporting moment brings families closer. Sometimes messy, always worth it.

📅 30–31 May 2026

📍 Singapore EXPO Hall 3

Bring the family and create memories that will last long after the final whistle.