LUCKY youngsters had the opportunity of a lifetime when they were invited to the David Beckham Academy for a football feast of fun and learning. Pupils from Sandon School visited the academy in Greenwich, which uses football as a base for National Curric

LUCKY youngsters had the opportunity of a lifetime when they were invited to the David Beckham Academy for a football feast of fun and learning.

Pupils from Sandon School visited the academy in Greenwich, which uses football as a base for National Curriculum learning to encourages further participation in sport.

Once inside the Sandon pupils were shown around the Adidas experience, which features lots of pictures and David Beckham memorabilia.

They then took part in a number of team- building exercises, which included a role- playing session where pupils became team manager, scout, nutritionist, physiotherapist, fitness coach, and sports reporter.

PE teacher Ruth Reynolds said: "The classroom activities were fun and presented an interesting challenge.

"They were based around football but also supported areas of the school curriculum.

"The nutritionists, physios, and fitness coaches had challenges connected to science, while the sports reporters had to use their English and artistic skills.

"Our scouts came out with the highest marks for their excellent knowledge and understanding of positions and player attributes."

The academy works closely with the Youth Sport Trust and the National Schools Programme, which is one of the largest grassroots sports initiatives in the UK.

The centre, which is the largest sports facility of its kind in Europe, benefits more than 10,000 children each year.

Mrs Reynolds said: "We felt very lucky that our application was successful, because there is a waiting list of hundreds of schools.

"The children were extremely excited and the day lived up to all their expectations.

"It's a shame they didn't get to meet David Beckham. I'm sure they would have loved that.

"He was busy with his own football. However, they did see lots of his stuff in the academy - including plenty of signed shirts, boots, and trophies.

"It really was a wonderful day from start to finish."

The day ended with a mini World Cup-style tournament, win which Sandon represented Brazil.

The youngsters even emulated their famous namesakes with an unbeaten run of results.

One pupil said: "It was a once in a lifetime chance - I will never forget it!