World Cup 2010: David Beckham Meets South African Youngsters At 'Coaching For Hope' Project

Meeting arranged by English FA.

Dec 3, 2009 4:01:14 PM

More On :  England, David Beckham
Press conference: David Beckham - England (PA)

Despite not playing competitive football for a Premier League side since exiting Manchester United under somewhat acrimonious circumstances to join Real Madrid in 2003, the veteran England midfielder continues to act as an ambassador for the English game.

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The LA Galaxy player attended a 'Coaching for Hope’ (CfH) session in Cape Town that was designed to meet coaches and South African children who are involved with the scheme. It was organised by the English FA as it is their chosen charity for 2009.

Beckham said in a press release: "It is amazing to visit a project like this and see the effect football has on young people. Football has the power to change lives and these youngsters are able to learn valuable lessons through their love of the game.

"I feel privileged to have met these children and despite the fact we come from different backgrounds we share a love for the game of football."

CfH not only teaches football skills, but also promotes social awareness for issues such as AIDS and substance abuse. Access to sport is limited in some areas, and so a CfH tournament aims to boost self-esteem, confidence and build life skills for those who participate.

"Aids is a very real problem in places like Khaylitsha and football must ensure it does whatever it can to help educate young people of its dangers and make a difference," Beckham concluded.

David Triesman, the FA chairman, added: "It has been inspiring visiting this Coaching for Hope session. Watching the boundless energy and promise of these young people has been an amazing experience.

"Football has a power to inspire change. I am in awe of the coaches here who have the ability to make a difference to the future of these children.

"Schemes such as Coaching for Hope make me proud of the work of The FA’s International Development Programme. It is a fantastic example of a project using the universal language of football to help promote positive change in people’s lives."

The director of the project for CfH, Jane Carter, was overjoyed for Beckham to be in attendance: "To receive such a high profile visit from one of the world’s most famous players will shine a light on the work we do in a way that nothing else could," she beamed.

"Football in South Africa is a powerful unifying force and this will provide a tremendous morale boost for the young people of the communities, the volunteer coaches, and bring the concept of a role model to a whole new level."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK
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