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A quarter of sports fans reckon they could score a Premier League goal, survey finds

One in four British sports fans think they could score a Premier League goal and many more reckon they could hold their own against professional athletes but experts say fan confidence may be wildly misplaced.

A quarter of sports enthusiasts believe they could net a goal in a Premier League match, while one in 10 assert they could survive a round in the ring with a professional boxer. A survey of 2,000 adults who enjoy watching sport revealed that many are confident they could hold their own against some of the world's top athletes.

One in seven (14%) reckon they could match a professional golfer over one hole, while 22% are sure they could outdo them in crazy golf, and 18% believe they could return a serve from an elite tennis player.

Some 14% think they could complete a lap of a Formula 1 track without coming last, while another 14% believe they could finish a stage of the Tour de France.

[Soccer goalie jumping for a ball while defending his goal.]

One in four reckon they could score a premier league goal(Image: Getty Images)

The study was commissioned by Staysure, ahead of the Staysture Legends Tour. The tournament, which kicks off next week at Trump International Golf Links, offers amateurs the unique chance to play alongside the pros in its Pro-Am event.

Corin Rogerson, director of sponsorship for the insurer, said: "Pro sport isn't as easy as people seemingly think it could be, but these findings show just how confident many fans are when watching from the sofa or the stands.

"It can seem easy when spectating, but in reality, elite athletes dedicate years to perfecting their craft, building the physical fitness, mental resilience and technical skill needed to compete at the very top.

"It is easy to underestimate just how difficult these sports are until you are faced with the speed, pressure and precision involved.

"That is what makes watching the professionals do what they do so impressive."

[Cyclists on a road]

People often under estimate how much it takes to be a pro athlete(Image: Getty Images)

Those who believe they could hold their own against a professional athlete often overestimate their abilities, or think that the sport appears easier than it actually is.

However, more than half (56%) also believe this is due to people underestimating just how skilled professional athletes truly are. Eight in ten reckon that watching professional sport can turn viewers into 'armchair experts' who underestimate the difficulty of playing at that level.

When it comes to golf specifically, 38% believe an amateur could stand a chance against a professional, attributing it to the possibility of one lucky shot (52%), and the fact that even pros make mistakes (51%).

The research, conducted via OnePoll, revealed that 82% find tales of amateurs and underdogs triumphing in sport inspiring, and 42% would be eager to watch a novice take on a pro golfer in a head-to-head challenge.

Corin Rogerson for Staysure added: "As a nation, many of us are clearly willing to back ourselves when it comes to taking on the professionals, whether that is stepping onto a golf course, returning a serve, or lasting in the ring. It was a fun reminder of the confidence many sports fans have."

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