Youngsters show off their skills at the David Beckham Academy after winning award

LEVERINGTON under 8 s recently paid a visit to the David Beckham Academy in Greenwich, London. Ten players, aged seven and eight, made the trip to London as a prize for winning the David Beckham Fair Play Award during the spring festival of football at Bu

LEVERINGTON under 8's recently paid a visit to the David Beckham Academy in Greenwich, London.

Ten players, aged seven and eight, made the trip to London as a prize for winning the David Beckham Fair Play Award during the spring festival of football at Butlins holiday camp, Skegness.

The boys were one of only 18 teams to be selected to make the trip to the prestigious academy.

Wayne Garner, coach of Leverington under 8's said: "Fair play is definitely something we encourage at this age. We want to teach the boys that it is not all about the winning - it's more important for them to enjoy themselves while playing.

"This was a once in a lifetime experience for the boys so I'm glad they enjoyed it."

The team were taught soccer skills in the morning by professional coaches before taking part in a tournament in the afternoon.

They also took a trip around the gallery where they saw famous football memorabilia including the boots David Beckham wore when he scored a free kick against Greece in 2001.

Louie Garner, seven, a player for Leverington said: "My favourite part of the day was the tournament."

Mr Garner said he would also like to thank Priden Engineering and Grange Farm Studios for their sponsorship.

The boys are now training for the new season where it is hoped they will put their new found skills to good use.