David Beckham's Academy strengthens England's World Cup bid
David Beckham is set to host a football festival in Trinidad and Tobago this weekend in an effort to strengthen England's 2018 World Cup bid.
Beckham, who currently plays for LA Galaxy, will travel to the Caribbean country this weekend for the Women's U17 World Cup final.
FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who is also the Minister of Works and Transport in the country, will attend the final along with FIFA president Sepp Blatter, international president (of England's World Cup bid) David Dein and CEO Andy Anson, who head England's
2018 bid.
Warner, who also heads the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, CONCACAF, holds one of the 24 votes on the committee that will decide the winner among the bids. The decision will be announced on December 2.
"It is heartening to know that a man of such international stature remains committed to the development of talent worldwide," Warner said in a statement, praising the David Beckham Academy for training and mentoring 200 players and coaches over six days
beginning Sunday.
"This is a remarkable opportunity for the 200 participants. The fact that, despite his busy schedule, David has taken the time to open this festival, to share his knowledge with the children, is testament to his character."
Academy important to England's bid
The Academy's efforts are thought to be central to England's bid, which was praised by FIFA inspectors when they visited the country last month. Spain/Portugal, Belgium/Netherlands, the United States, Russia and Qatar are also in the midst of bids to host
the tournament.
"I am really looking forward to seeing the young girls and boys from all backgrounds and their coaches at my academy," said Beckham, who will be present at Macoya's Marvin Lee Stadium on Sunday, as the Academy's sessions get under way.
"Encouraging young girls to play football has always been an important part of the thinking behind the academy and it will be great to take this opportunity to also see some of the world's best young women play in the under-17 final."
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