This is a blog I wrote a week before the rioting and looting took place. Seems timely enough. It seems that part of the problem is that fathers are in short supply, leading young men and women to look elsewhere for role models. Is it time for us to reflect and step up as part of the answer. It seems to me that we need zero tolerance PLUS a lot more hoodie hugging. I don't think one without the other will work but the two together just might. Here's my blog.

'Daily Mail readers everywhere must despair at the depths into which our youth have fallen in terms of addictions to drink, drugs, sex and general lack of good manners.

So I was pleasantly surprised to catch a news item about youngsters who have given all this up in favour of better things. Apparently there are significant downward trends in the numbers of 11s to 15s drinking and smoking. (The reality is that there are fewer doing these things but those that are, are drinking more, which explains why our hospitals are so crowded on Saturday nights)

BBC news interviewed a teenager, and asked him why he was one of those abstaining. He is an aspiring footballer and wants to look after his body. Did he have any role models? Yes, one being his dad; well done that dad for bringing up such a great young man. His other role model was footballer Paul Scholes. I've never taken much notice of Paul Scholes but when I Google him; turns out he's a great guy; keeps out of trouble, passes well, goes to bed at a reasonable hour (with his wife), and doesn't participate in drunken riots etc. Well done Paul for setting such a good example, and being able to pass the ball so well into the bargain.

We all need good role models, even me, at my great age, I need men around me that I can admire and look up to. Now this young man chose Paul as his role model (not forgetting his dad of course). He coulld so easily have chosen any one of the multitude of less savoury characters gracing our football pitches who actually want to be known as great footballers, but don't want the responsibility of being a role model hanging over them.  But this young man chose wisely. (I'm aware that Paul recently hung up his boots, scoring a great 25 yarder in his testimonial match a few days ago; I hope there are others to take his place role model wise)

Word here to us dads; our sons, will generally default to the model we provide for them. We  will fall short but we can endeavour to be the very best we can be. Take a moment to reflect on this and raise your game if you need to. (Actually a good start is by simply being there.) You might get some inspiration from a website I looked at today, 'The Be Your Best Foundation'; They are doing some remarkable stuff.

I'm a role model for some people, and so are you if you function in any sort of community. What sort of role model am I? Can I raise my game? '

Have a good week

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