Ted Beckham's Soccer School

Come hell, high water or even a severe sandstorm, children will never turn down an opportunity to play football, especially when the father of David Beckham is in town to coach.

Since Sunday, Ted Beckham has been assisting the coaches at Jebel Ali International Football Academy who conclude their five-day Easter training camp for youngsters today. Unlike his son, who is a frequent visitor to these parts, the visit is Ted's first and he is soaking up every bit of it.

“They asked me to come over and I jumped at the chance,'' said Ted. “It's marvellous being in Dubai, apart from the sandstorm we have had, and coming down to train with the kids is just brilliant.''

He added: “I love kids' football, they are so enthusiastic and at the end of the day you can work with kids who enjoy themselves and just want to play.''

It was Ted who first introduced football to David and the experience of working with youngsters again triggered a feeling of nostalgia.

“On the first day, I must admit it brought back a lot of memories.

“But it's been superb and most of them are good listeners. At lunch time they asked me questions like what was David like, was he good at school, and things like that, so all in all it's been enjoyable.''

Rather than listen to Ted's stories about David's exploits on the pitch, the group was more keen to know the number of cars in the latter's collection, according to Jack Woodcock, member of the academy's technical staff.

For Michael Weinzierl and his 10-year-old Maximillian, it happened to be a case of being in the right place at the right time.

“We are only here on a 10-day vacation and found out about this camp from the Jebel Ali hotel where we are staying,'' said Michael, a native Austrian.

“I said it is a chance for him to see Ted Beckham.

“He's actually a go-karter, but he likes football too.''