http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-1525285,00.html March 14, 2005 Beckham launches football academy By Times Online and PA Sport David Beckham, the England captain, launched his own football academy in London today - and maintained it was all about giving children the chance to have fun and learn from the game rather than producing stars of the future. The David Beckham Academy will open on the Greenwich Peninsula in East London as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Millennium Dome site, during the summer. A sister academy is also set to be unveiled in Los Angeles later this year. 生意作真大，trans-atlantic耶 There will be two full-size pitches at the London complex, as well as other indoor training facilities, classrooms and a dining hall. The venture will initially welcome 15,000 boys and girls aged between eight and 15, of all abilities. Some 10,000 of those will be free of charge, funded in conjunction with partnerships with the UK Sports Trust, Football Foundation and the Football Association. There will be 2,000 places set aside for local schools. London-born Beckham reflected: "The Bobby Charlton Soccer School was so important for me because it gave me an opportunity to have fun and learn as a young kid. I always wanted to be a professional footballer and now I am in a position where I can create an academy of my own. "I have grown up with football and to see the happiness that football brings to kids, for me that is the most important thing, that they can come in a learn with a smile on their faces. It is about kids coming here and having fun and enjoy it - it is not just about creating players." The Real Madrid midfield player added: "I have to have total involvement and know everything what is going on - from choosing what wood we are going to use in the changing rooms!" Former Manchester United coach Eric Harrison, who helped bring Beckham through the Old Trafford ranks, will head up the academy. "They will get fantastic coaching, the facilities are magnificent and it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Harrison said. --

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