…article written by a woman as well btw.
From the Times:
‘Their parents were famous for working hard and playing even harder in Mrs. Thatcher’s upwardly-mobile, go-getter society. But today’s children have other, more sober priorities.
‘A survey has found that youngsters today are increasingly repelled by celebrity culture. Over 87 per cent of teenagers surveyed said that “celebs” were too influential and 58 per cent thought that very few had any talent.
‘Wayne Rooney found himself on the sharp end of this revolution in adolescent hero-worship yesterday when he was unceremoniously dropped as a star guest by the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) as a bad egg. Far from protesting against the decision, teenagers who watched Charlton beat Everton 1-0 at the FA Women’s Cup Final at Upton Park, in East London, yesterday welcomed the move.
‘Lauren Bannister, 14, said: “Rooney is a very bad role model and I agree with him being dropped. Kids are influenced by these people and like to copy them whatever they do. Michael Owen or Frank Lampard would be a much better role model.” Her friend, Kirsty Brown, also 14, added: “I really don’t like him at all, but lots of kids do. They were right to get someone else.”
‘Hayley Litchfield, 17, said: “Rooney’s not a good act to follow.” Her sister, Katie, 24, agreed, adding: “It’s about time footballers became more responsible. Perhaps this might make them think.”’