I have mixed feelings about footballers as role models.

Part of me thinks, they are simply people that are blessed with a talent for kicking a circular leather object or they are people who have worked really hard to be good at kicking a circular leather object, or they are people who are a bit blessed and a bit hard-working with the end result being, they’re pretty good at kicking that circular leather object. 

Either way, to then expect them to carry the mantle of inspirers, educators and all round examples of how we should live our lives, is probably a bit of an ask.

However, the fact is, that many people, particularly children, my own included, do look at, copy and aspire to be like the people they see running around a pitch for 90 minutes. Every goal celebration, interaction with the ref, response to the crowd and hair cut, is followed and scrutinised.  My son has asked me for lines to be shaved in the side of his hair like many footballers.

The lovely people in ‘Blades’ on Glebe Street have assured me, if done at the start of the summer, it’ll have grown out by September. With my ‘We’ll see...’. I’m hoping he forgets about it by July.

The World Cup kicks off in Russia on June 14 and I got thinking about individuals in the game who inspire.

My children and I recently watched the documentary on Egypt and Liverpool player, Mo Salah.

I was struck by what a humble and dignified man he seems, along with his prowess on the pitch. An Arab and a Muslim, he’s winning hearts and shattering negative stereotypes one awesome goal at a time. Whether he invited this role or had it thrust upon him, he’s in a position to blaze a trail for other boys and girls of his faith to follow.

Danny Rose the England and Tottenham player has recently talked of his battles with depression. Considering the alarming statistic that suicide is the biggest killer of young men, to have a high-profile footballer talking openly about his experience, can surely only help to raise the importance of seeking support and sidelining stigma around mental ill health.

I hold with the adage that it takes a village to raise a child. I look at the coaches for my children’s teams, Mark, Jamie and Dave for my daughter and Steve, Paul, Gareth, Luke and Bobby for my son and this rings true.

Whilst surely, each will have their own personal and professional issues to contend with, they show care, support, respect and dedication to the children in their teams that is heart-warming and inspiring.

It is the work and effort of people like these that nurture the children that may one day kick a ball for their country and who along with whichever stars may emerge over the coming tournament, are the truly great role models.