First thing that came to my mind was..

something like, "Playing football is kind of like being in a gang of GOOD kids that does good things.. A gang that actually prepares a kid to not only become a team player, but learn individual and team responsibility, get in shape, learn self-respect (which may help him from joining a street gang) and have fun at the same time - all while keeping him off the streets."

..but my caffeine hasn't kicked in to an acceptable level yet...

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Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..