David Beckham [Images] opened his London [Images] soccer academy alongside the Millennium Dome on Monday, just a short distance from where the England [Images] captain was born.

The 30-year-old Real Madrid [Images] midfielder watched a video presentation before taking part in skills sessions with local school children.

"This is a special day for me and one of the proudest moments in my life," Beckham said.

"I have for many years had an ambition to give children the same opportunities I had through football coaching.

"I wanted an environment where children could learn but more importantly have fun. This has surpassed my highest expectations," he said.

"As a young boy I attended the Bobby Charlton soccer school with dreams of becoming a professional footballer."

The academy has two full-size pitches plus classrooms, training facilities, changing rooms and restaurants.

"It is about education in football. Not just teaching youngsters how to kick a ball properly but education on diet and fitness," Beckham added.

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The academy will welcome boys and girls aged eight to 15 of all abilities. It will take in 15,000 children a year, 10,000 of them free.

The academy will be run by director of coaching Eric Harrison, formerly a youth team coach at Manchester United [Images] for 18 years who played a part in developing an outstanding group of players including Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville.

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