How does Mick describe his childhood and feelings about his father in Part I of the novel, Gym Candy?

Mick's life becomes football at an early age between his father's past and his father's desire to see Mick play. Mick also wants to be something important like his father was, and he notices that whereas his friends' fathers lay around, his father is strong and active. This seems to confirm in Mick's mind a sense of greatness about his father.