Teaching for personal and social responsibility (TPSR) is unconventional in nature, and this article describes the origins of the program and the many hurdles it had to overcome. It is not strictly a form of kinesiology, social work or education. It focuses instead on the whole person: kids' needs, interests and vulnerabilities. But TPSR also shines a spotlight on the rigidity of universities, which may be aware of the need for interdisciplinary work but are unable to make it happen most of the time. Finding a home for TPSR within the conventional structure of the university was frustrating, especially when we were so convinced of its value. Sport and physical activity are a special medium with intrinsic appeal for most kids. It is a great micro-cosmos where we win, lose and cooperate, and it offers many more options for teaching personal and social responsibility than other school subjects. The main interest has always been to work with at-risk youth, empowering them and helping them develop tools for taking more control of their life and contributing to their community. TPSR was practiced as an after-school activity, which means it was a voluntary activity. Kids have to want to participate in it, and sport provides the intrinsic motivation.