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Passionate Brits will spend almost a grand a year pursuing their favourite hobby.
A study of 2,000 adults found the average hobbyist is willing to shell out a substantial sum pursuing their interests, spending £968.43 a year on their main passion.
They will also spend more than seven hours per week devoted to what they love, or 15 days over the course of a year.
Football is the nation’s biggest passion with travel, music, baking and walking all making the top five.
Iqbal V. Gandham, UK managing director for eToro, which launched their Passion Pods at Shoreditch’s Boxpark, said: “Football is part of our national identity and infiltrates the lives of millions of us from an early age.
"So it’s no surprise so many get swept up in the rivalry, pageantry and drama of the beautiful game.
“Our research has found many of our most enduring interests are discovered at an early age, through family or friends.
"The sense of fandom which builds following your favourite football team with your loved ones is designed to generate this kind of lifelong passion.”
The study also found nearly two in five adults said they follow their passion because it’s something they have done since they were a child.
The majority of the population picked up their passion during their teenage years, although a quarter found their life’s love before the age of 12.
Three in five parents have also tried to encourage their kids to get involved in one of their own interests.
When asked to specify the reasons why their interest benefits their lives, ‘improving my mental health’, ‘reducing my stress levels’ and ‘learning about something new’ were all seen as key motives.
Three in 10 Brits also considered themselves 'collectors' of some description.
Coins, stamps and antiques were items which inspire Brits to horde, though some stashes were more unusual than others.
One respondent took pride in their collection of dog ornaments and figurines, while another was proud to show off their antique Bowie knives.
One green-fingered Brit has steadily collected more than 50 varieties of hardy geranium, while another found their prickly passion in saguaro cacti.
The social aspect of following your passion is important, as those with a key interest in their lives have made six new friends through theirs on average, and introduced four new people to the activity.
Just two in five believe they’re truly passionate about their profession, although 19 per cent have a job that involves one or more of their passions.
Iqbal V. Gandham added: “We believe Brits should be making their passions work for them.
“This research shows the breadth of our interests, and we believe there are millions of people out there neglecting the option of turning what they love doing in their spare time into an investment opportunity.''
To shine the spotlight on this relationship between passion and investing, eToro are launching their Passion Pod pop-up.
The Passion Pods are an experiential pop-up bringing to life how everyday consumers can invest in the brands they love to buy, follow and interact with on a daily basis.
The Passion Pods will be based in Shoreditch’s Boxpark at The Square from Thursday 1st - Saturday 3rd August and open to the general public from 8.30am - 7.30pm daily, with £5K in prizes to give away.
BRITS’ TOP 15 PASSIONS
1. Football
2. Travel
3. Listening to music
4. Cooking / Baking
5. Hiking / Walking
6. Gym
7. Pets / Animals
8. Watching TV/movies
9. Running
10. Gardening
11. Video games
12. Fashion
13. Cricket
14. Knitting / sewing / embroidery
15. Going to the pub / drinking
ENDS
