No.43 - Thurs. 6th March  2008; Representative Match                                      7.45pm at The David Beckham Academy, Greenwich Peninsula, London. (Att: 35; Prog: 2pp teamsheet, free)

View matchday images  01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 London Legal League (1) 2  Cambridge University AFC (0) 4 Hopping indoors! Now for something completely different! A few weeks ago ‘hopping legend Brian Buck sent me an E-Mail  containing a current fixture of matches to be played by Cambridge University AFC. My attention was drawn to one particular match. This stood out for two reasons: firstly, it was to be played on a Thursday evening and secondly, the match in question against the London Legal League was to be played at the new David Beckham Academy. Being an inquisitive type I quickly gathered a bit more online information regarding the match and consulted both the LLL and DBA websites. Very interesting and something which prompted me to attend my first ever indoor game!   The DBA is located close to the O2 Dome in the Greenwich Peninsula beside the River Thames. The centre was opened in 2005 and the magnificent indoor facility boasts two full size, third generation, artificially-grassed pitches as well as a modern education and administrative centre. After signing the guest book in the main foyer you make your way to the playing areas along a bright corridor adorned with the best collection of Beckham memorabilia seen anywhere in Britain. I was particularly taken by the framed shirt ‘Becks’ wore for England on the afternoon he scored his terrific free-kick against Greece in 2002. The moment briefly came back in my mind’s eye. It's a superb collection which will no doubt inspire everyone that attends the Academy. If this wasn’t enough then the sight of the two pitches inside the playing arena will be a moment you won’t forget. As FGIF guru Paul Roth comments in his report (see TT No.205) ‘… they are magnificent, and make for a stunning venue that will benefit thousands of local youngsters, and may just one day uncover another future England football captain, either male or female. The often maligned Mr. Beckham has created a sporting legacy that he, and those that use it, should be justly proud of’. A great testament indeed.   The match itself was a cracking encounter with plenty of entertaining football on show. The students looked a strong outfit and contributed to a superb second half scoring three tremendous goals to run out winners by 4-2. Before the match I wondered whether the roof would spoil the game in any way. I was quite surprised to find that the ball touched the ‘ceiling’ only twice throughout the entire ninety minutes, with a drop ball re-starting play.   The game attracted about thirty five spectators of which only two (as far as I could tell) were not hoppers! We congregated (stood) close to the half-way line behind the perimeter blue inflatable wall (did I really say that?). Although the refreshment bar was not open, travellers could use the Dome, where restaurants and bars are situated. Paul and I did manage to track down a ‘cold drinks’ outlet which supplied some astonishingly cheap bottled water and fizzy drinks.   The 'home side' did produce a superb teamsheet which listed the line ups and all the LLL tables. A smashing night out. It is definitely a place that I recommend all football fans and travellers should visit as soon as they get the chance. The joys of hopping indoors!                                        FGIF Rating: 5*  www.davidbeckhamacademy.com

edited on 10/03/08