Beckham launches his London academy
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-29 09:35

David Beckham opened his London football academy alongside the Millennium Dome on Monday, just a short distance from where the England captain was born.

David Beckham, left, poses with some local school children as he launches The David Beckham Football Academy in Greenwich Penisular, , London, Monday. [AP]

The 30-year-old Real Madrid midfielder watched a video presentation before taking part in skills sessions with local school children.

"This is a special day for me and one of the proudest moments in my life," Beckham said.

"I have for many years had an ambition to give children the same opportunities I had through football coaching.

"I wanted an environment where children could learn but more importantly have fun. This has surpassed my highest expectations.

"As a young boy I attended the Bobby Charlton soccer school with dreams of becoming a professional footballer."

The academy has two full-size pitches plus classrooms, training facilities, changing rooms and restaurants.

"It is about education in football. Not just teaching youngsters how to kick a ball properly but education on diet and fitness," Beckham added.

The academy will welcome boys and girls aged eight to 15 of all abilities. It will take in 15,000 children a year, 10,000 of them free.

The academy will be run by director of coaching Eric Harrison, formerly a youth team coach at Manchester United for 18 years who played a part in developing an outstanding group of players including Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville.

Forming part of the regeneration of the Millennium Dome site, the Beckham academy is one of Britain's largest grassroots sporting initiatives. There is a sister academy in Los Angeles.