article_snippet: a British leader who is said to have traversed the playing fields at Eton College when he was a student in the 1780s statements were construed by historians as references to the 'manly character induced by games and sport' among the English youth.
article_snippet: In the 19th century, character building through sports was said to be vital in morally equipping young men to achieve greatness later in life.
article_snippet: Many held the view that 'manly characteristics' were developed by gaming and sports, and that those who flourished on the field would go on to carve successful careers as soldiers or engineers.
article_snippet: The poem, written in 1892, refers to how a schoolboy, a future soldier, learns selfless commitment to duty in cricket matches in the famous Close at Clifton College.