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David Beckham tops list of roles models for boys - ahead of dad

15th July 2013 Print
David Beckham

Dads have been dealt a blow – as they came second to David Beckham in a poll of kids’ role models. The study, carried out among 1,000 11-18 year olds, found boys place dads in second place to the former Real Madrid and England star, with Wimbledon winner Andy Murray in third.

Mum came fourth, one place above Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

By contrast, girls hailed ‘mum’ as their main role model, followed by dad, Andy Murray and ‘grandmother’.

Encouragingly, more than half of the youngsters polled said they were more likely to look up to someone they know than a celebrity.

And 72% said they regard their parents as role models.

The poll was carried out by pub and restaurant chain Fayre & Square to launch its ‘Little Heroes’ campaign; a spokesman said: ”For teenage boys, it seems David Beckham eclipses all family members, even dad.

”Girls on the other hand look up to their parents and even grandparents, more than singers, actors or sporting figures.

”It also seems Andy Murray’s win last Sunday has already launched him in to the hearts of the nation’s children – it’s pretty impressive he is in the top five for both girls and boys.

”But it’s also touching that grandparents have made an appearance in the list, that’s fairly indicative of modern times and the important role that they play in bring up children.”

Other role models for the lads included their mum, Barcelona-forward Lionel Messi, their Grandfather and business tycoon Lord Sugar.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was also in the top twenty role models for boys, as was Formula One star Lewis Hamilton.

A surprise entry was London mayor Boris Johnson, who was just ahead of Prince Harry and ‘granddad’.

Gangnam Style singer Psy who took the nation by storm last year also made an appearance along with Olly Murs, Michael Jackson and TOWIE star Joey Essex.

Other role models for girls included the likes of Holly Willoughby, Rihanna, The Duchess of Cambridge, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift.

A spokesperson from Fayre & Square added:
”Young people often get a bad press but this research shows just how highly they regard their close family – and David Beckham.

”Role models for kids are so important and with our Little Heroes campaign we are looking for real life role models – youngsters who have shown courage, done something remarkable, or gone above and beyond for someone they know or a stranger.

”We are appealing to parents, grandparents, teachers and child-minders to nominate any special kids that deserve to be recognised.”

Boys Top 20 Role Models

1. David Beckham
2. Dad
3. Andy Murray
4. Mum
5. Lionel Messi
6. Granddad
7. Sir Alan Sugar
8. Steven Gerrard
9. Lewis Hamilton
10. Boris Johnson
11. Prince Harry
12. Grandmother
13. Prince William
14. Class teacher / tutor
15. Psy
16. Jenson Button
17. Banksy
18. Olly Murs
19. Michael Jackson
20. Joey Essex

Girls Top 20 Role Models

1. Mum
2. Dad
3. Andy Murray
4. Grandmother
5. Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton)
6. Jessica Ennis
7. David Beckham
8. Class teacher / tutor
9. Granddad
10. Miley Cyrus
11. Taylor Swift
12. Holly Willoughby
13. Rihanna
14. Sir Alan Sugar
15. Victoria Pendleton
16. Prince William
17. Harry Styles
18. Beyonce
19. Prince Harry
20. Peter Andre

Nominations for Fayre & Square’s Little Heroes campaign need to be in by Friday 2nd August. Visit fayre-square.co.uk.

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David Beckham