Situated near the former Millennium Dome, the £10m David Beckham Academy has been developed in partnership between the Real Madrid footballer and Anschutz Entertainment Group, the US-based company currently building a 20,000-capacity arena and visitor destination at the Dome site, called The 02.

Beckham’s new centre includes two full-size pitches, classrooms, training facilities, a dining hall and changing rooms.

“As a young boy, I attended the Bobby Charlton Soccer School with dreams of becoming a professional footballer,” said Beckham.

“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.

Beckham, who invested around £2m in the project, has insisted the facility offer equal numbers of places to boys and girls.

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. Earlier this year, the first David Beckham Academy opened in the Home Depot Centre – operated by Anschutz – in Los Angeles, US. Details: www.thedavidbeckhamacademy.com