The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) commissioned a survey of children and fathers in the east of England, and asked them how much time they spent together.

The survey showed that often dads are not very confident when it comes to engaging with their children – but that both they and their children want to change that.

As a result of the research, the DCSF and parenting charities arranged The Big Kick for dads and children to play football together.

Shaun Price, who won The ET’s Dad of the Year competition, said he was shocked that so many dads spent such little time with their sons and daughters.

Mr Price (42), from Whittlesey, is dad to Nattaleigh (18) and Adam (17), and despite suffering from the debilitating Scheuermann’s disease and waiting for an operation, he manages to make time for his youngsters as well as raising cash for charities.

He said: “I’m surprised at the survey.

“I’m out of work at the moment, but I have always spent a lot of time with my kids.

“As a family, we sit round and chat and the TV goes off.

“We also sit round the dinner table together because it brings out conversations.”

Werrington dad Phil Kavadias (26) who is set to sign up to a teaching course at Northampton University soon, said despite his upcoming hectic schedule, he would still make time with his three-year-old girl, Nina, a top priority.

The dad, of Middle Pasture, said: “I don’t think any dad really has an excuse not to spend a great deal of time with their children.

“Having a kickabout on Sunday is fair enough, but I think what’s really needed are lifestyle changes.

“I run about in the garden with Nina, take her to the park, draw and play on the Nintendo.

“The course will be intense, but you can always make time.”

The research went on to show that 75 per cent of dads in the east of England had never asked for advice on how to talk to, or spend time with, their kids and 43 per cent wouldn’t know who to ask if they did want help.

Jason Wilson from the Orton Children’s Centre, based at the Jigsaw Centre, in Herlington, Orton Malborne, said staff tried to make all events dad-friendly, as well as arranging regular events just for fathers and tots.

He said: “We provide events and services for dads. On the Saturday before Father’s Day, we had 19 dads join us. And every month, we have a dads’ Saturday.”

However, a lack of funds has meant the post of project worker for fathers and young parents was axed, as well as a dads’ and tots’ group which was launched in 2006.