TT No.205: Paul Roth - Thurs 6th March 2008; London Legal League vs. Cambridge University (rep. match)  David Beckham Academy, Greenwich Peninsula, London. Att: 35; Res: 2-4; T/S: Free; Weather: Indoor Arena!

View matchday images  01 02 03 04 05 Situated next door to the O2 Dome, on the Greenwich Peninsula, the David Beckham Football Academy offered myself and about 35 other 'hoppers the chance for a rare midweek, Thursday evening game.   Opened in 2005, the Academy is the dream child of the former England football captain, and a fantastic sporting facility it is too. The place boasts 2 full size, third generation, artificially turfed pitches alongside a state-of-the-art education and administrative centre.   Upon entry one has to be signed in to gain access to the pitches and those 'hoppers present had to wait in the foyer to be called forward, along with the teams. At the due hour one proceeds along a corridor, bedecked with Beckham memorabilia(I can imagine school kids being awe struck at the sight of all that), to the pitches. I think most present themselves took a sharp intake of breath when they first saw the arenas side-by-side......they are magnificent, and make for a stunning venue.   The match was a very entertaining affair, with lots of chances for both sides to score goals. Half time saw parity at one apiece and after the London Legal League retook the lead early in the second half, it looked likely the 'Blues' might struggle. Not a bit of it, though, as the students rallied to produce a scintillating last half hour of football in which they scored three sublime goals to run out comfortable winners. The only difference to the normal rules of the game that I could spot, was that if the ball touches any part of the roof a 'Drop-Ball' is awarded......it only happened twice, as far as I can recall?   My only gripes on the night were that there were no refreshment facilities open, although you could use the Dome, with it's myriad of restaurants and bars I suppose, or the Pilot pub, which is a 5 minute walk down the road. Also there seemed to be no directions to the Academy or clear indications as to where to park one's car. even the DBA website, www.davidbeckhamacademy.com , has no references to this important matter. Maybe a few seats would be nice too.   There is another David Beckham Football Academy in Los Angeles, and it would be interesting to visit that venue one day........how about a 'Hop' there one Easter, perhaps? In all seriousness though, this is a wonderful 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.   FGIF Rating: 5*

contributed on 07/03/08