David Beckham children’s books

[LuBz]

David Beckham has inspired a whole new series of children’s books based on his football training academies in London and LA. The stories will include what happens to the group on the pitch, in the classroom and what the youngsters get up to off the footie ground. Aimed at seven-year-olds, the first book will be released in June 2009, and will be followed in July 2009 by a range of activity books, including training tips, puzzles and pull-out tactics boards. A spokesperson for publishers Egmont said: ‘The books are inspired by the training, coaching and development skills taught by The David Beckham Academy, and are not written by David himself.' David Beckham’s spokesperson added: 'The David Beckham Academy is more than just David's dream of giving children the chance to experience great football coaching, it exists to encourage all aspects of their learning and development. 'David is particularly pleased that The Academy has inspired a series of books that will bring children to reading through football.' The David Beckham Academy in London was opened in 2005, and is the largest sporting facility of its kind in Europe. It uses its two full-sized artificially-turfed pitches for physical training, while a state-of-the-art education facility provides in-classroom challenges.