BOLTON Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce got people talking when he branded the English a lazy nation.

He accused parents of not encouraging their children to be more active and said sport should play a big part in young people's lives.

Some people in the town agreed with him.

But others say there are plenty of active youngsters out there many of whom would be delighted if someone of Sam's stature noticed and encouraged them.

Kearsley mum Janice Biggar believes role models such as Big Sam could help to encourage more young people to play sports, especially football.

Janice, whose 13-year-old son, Simon, is not happy unless he is playing sport, said: "In the good weather, he is always out playing football and this year he has started playing cricket.

"My son has been playing football since he was six years old and he is playing now for Farnworth Boys.

"There are lots of boys playing in this league and they are very active. They play every weekend and train at least once a week.

"They could do with a bit of encouragement from the big clubs. A lot of the boys would love to know what it's like in a big football academy but no-one ever comes to see them and there's a lot of local talent around.

"I feel that clubs like Bolton need to make more of an effort in nurturing its own local talent.

"All Sam needs to do if go around the numerous football pitches on a Saturday and Sunday to see teams of enthusiastic energetic children playing football in the various leagues that operate in this area alone."

Stan McGowen, registration secretary for Bolton Boys Federation, which runs about 100 teams for different age groups, believes the problem lies in keeping youngsters interested in sport.

He said a growing number of boys, especially those aged 16 and over, stop playing football in favour of the modern teenage lifestyle.

He believes that for many, this involves a lack of parental supervision, eating junk food, watching TV, playing computer games, and the lure of easily available drink and drugs.

"A lot of them are out all night, some are taking drugs and drinking a lot, and they just can't get up early to play football any more," he said.

"I blame the parents. They sit around on their backsides and do not bother with their children.

"The most active teams we have are the ones with plenty of parents on the touchline. They take an interest and make sure the boys get up in time to turn out for the team.

"Our under-13, under-14 and under-16 teams are thriving we have had to introduce extra leagues.

"But after the age of 16, the number of boys starts to drop off," he said.

Colin Hayes, sports development manager at Bolton Lads and Girls Club, said: "Football still remains a major attraction for young people's involvement in sport in our club.

"We have increased from eight teams to 20 and now support not only boys' football but girls' football as well.

"These days, young people face more distractions, especially within the age band of 11 to 16, than with previous generations.

"Educational opportunities have greatly increased at this age with young people going through their final examinations so the demand for their time is at a premium.

"Clubs like Wanderers invest lots of resources into attracting young players from the age of six years into academies but maybe they should concentrate as much effort towards teenagers."