David Beckham has revealed that his inaugural Football Academy will open in summer 2005 on east London’s Greenwich Peninsula beside the Millennium Dome.
The David Beckham Academy will cost £10m to develop – of which £2m will come from Beckham’s personal fortune – and is targeted at all ability levels with an initial annual intake of 15,000 boys and girls from 8 to 15-years-old.
Of these places, 10,000 will be channelled free of charge through several infrastructure partners, including the UK Youth Sports Trust, Football Foundation and Football Association.
The academy will comprise two full-size pitches and an extensive series of buildings including classrooms, dinner hall, training facilities and changing rooms. It is part of the ongoing, 80 hectare redevelopment of the Dome site undertaken by Anschutz Entertainment.
Beckham said: “As a young boy, I attended the Bobby Charlton Soccer School with dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Ever since then, my ambition has been to give children the chances I had. Thanks to Anschutz Entertainment, that dream is now a reality.”
It is estimated that over 17,500 schools will gain access to activities and resources based on football skills in one of the largest grassroots sports initiatives ever to be launched in the UK.
Former Manchester United youth team coach Eric Harrison will be director of coaching for the academy, alongside 23 other male and female staff members, qualified with either UEFA or FA coaching badges.
Chair of the Youth Sport Trust, Sue Campbell, added: “I am delighted that so many young people within and outside London will have the opportunity to benefit from this fantastic new football facility. The Youth Sport Trust is really looking forward to being an active partner.”
A sister academy is due to be unveiled in America later this year, at The Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. Details: www.thedavidbeckhamacademy.com
