Gordon Brown, Prime minister of United Kingdom has praised famous star footballer David Beckham for inspiring youngsters to lead a healthier life. He also added that he is a true sporting ambassador.
Brown met Beckham at his football academy in Greenwich, South London to learn how it is taking young people off the street and leading them into sport and healthy eating.
Brown said Beckham could inspire children and help the government's target of every child having five hours of sport a week in school.
He said Beckham had the "sparkle and the stature" needed to inspire the nation's children and teenagers.
Beckham had a special role to play as an "ambassador for sport", and the kids listen to him, Brown added.
"He shows that doing something to be fit, doing something for charity and doing something to help people is something we should all be very, very proud of. Sport is the key to a fit nation. It's the key to a competitive nation and it's the key to a country, which in every way is healthier, fitter and more successful,” he said.
Manchester is expected to get a new David Beckham Football Academy to continue the former England captain's association with the city where he spent most of his playing career.
Other similar football academies mixing sport and education could be set up in Scotland and the North East.