I grew up in Cheshire in the North West of England in what – looking back – I realize was quite a carefree home environment where there were plenty of opportunities for imaginative play.  I loved playing most ball sports.  More unusually from a young age, I was also always intrigued by mathematical puzzles, an interest that was fed by my dad and later by one of my teachers who would often pose us riddles and quizzes. 

https://selfdiscoverywisdom.com/2017/03/06/c-17-12b-joy-in-mathematical-puzzles-with-rob-eastaway/