LONDON, 29 November 2005 — David Beckham opened his London soccer academy alongside the Millennium Dome yesterday, just a short distance from where the England captain was born.
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,” he said.
“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.
FIFA Begins Mammoth
Turkey vs. Switzerland Inquiry
In London, FIFA began the biggest disciplinary investigation in its history yesterday as it examined the violence that marred the World Cup playoff between Turkey and Switzerland earlier this month.
Turkey won the Istanbul match 4-2 but Switzerland qualified for the finals on away goals having won the first leg 2-0. The game ended with players, officials and stewards involved in violent exchanges as they left the pitch and in the tunnel.
Swiss player Stephane Grichting was hospitalized while assistant Turkey coach Mehmet Ozdilek has subsequently resigned after TV pictures showed his involvement.
Punishments could range from a fine and warning to the suspension of either association but no decision is expected until the early part of next year.
