Harry Kane Among Top Sporting Role Models Inspiring Children, Survey Finds
By Sports Correspondent
England captain Harry Kane is one of the sporting stars inspiring children to be more active, according to a new survey of parents.
Research by the Youth Sport Trust found football remains the biggest influence on young people, with England's players encouraging children to get outside, play sport and be more active.
Former England captain David Beckham topped the list of male sporting role models, followed by Marcus Rashford, Sir Mo Farah, Harry Kane and Anthony Joshua.
Among female athletes, Chloe Kelly came first, ahead of England captain Leah Williamson, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Keely Hodgkinson and Lucy Bronze.
Parents also named England players Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice among the athletes inspiring children this summer, with many youngsters recreating goals and celebrations in parks, gardens and school playgrounds.
The survey was released during National School Sports Week, an annual campaign organised by the Youth Sport Trust to encourage children to enjoy sport, play and physical activity.
Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said:
“Hot on the heels of the Women’s Cricket Team making the finals of the T20 World Cup, the England’s men’s Football World Cup journey has shown once again how sport can capture hearts and bring people together.
"When children see players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham performing on the biggest stage, or hear parents and friends talking about the tournament, it can spark a powerful sense of possibility.
“But the power of sport is not only found in stadiums. We have seen it this week as part of National School Sports Week, touring the country and seeing children connect through play, develop skills, build confidence and experience the togetherness that comes from moving with others.
“This summer of sport is a huge opportunity to help every child feel part of the action. Whether it is football, cricket, tennis, the Commonwealth Games or playground games with friends, play and sport can give young people joy, belonging, resilience and so many more skills they need to succeed.”
Sir Mo Farah, a National School Sports Week champion, said:
“It means a lot to be named by parents as someone who inspires children to be active. Sport has given me so much throughout my life, including the belief that you can achieve more than you think. I have always loved football too, and moments like England’s World Cup run show how powerful sport can be in bringing people together.
“That is what National School Sports Week is all about: helping every child feel connected, try something new, build skills and enjoy being active with others.”
Good News Post
More than 2,600 schools took part in this year's National School Sports Week, with activities aimed at helping children achieve the UK Chief Medical Officers' recommendation of 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
Athletes and para-athletes also visited schools across the country to share their experiences and encourage pupils to get involved in sport.
