Source: Daily_Mail
David Beckham to boost England 2018 bid at Women's U17 World Cup final
David Beckham will have more than a watching brief when he attends the under-17 Women's World Cup final in Trinidad this weekend.[LNB]The former England captain will lead a coaching session for 200 children at his academy in Port-of-Spain, keeping a promise made to Jack Warner, president of the CONCACAF federation, at in a meeting in Cape Town last year. [LNB]It will also allow Beckham - as well as bid chief executive Andy Anson and international president David Dein - time with Fifa president Sepp Blatter and Fifa executive committee members who will decide the location of the 2018 tournament.[LNB] Stardust: Former England captain David Beckham will hold a coaching session for 200 children in Trinidad, keeping a promise he made to Jack Warner [LNB]Beckham's LA Galaxy have a home game against Thierry Henry's New York Red Bulls on Friday night and the Women's U17 final takes place on Saturday evening, but despite the tight scheduling Beckham will take the opportunity to push the 2018 bid with key powerbrokers in the decision-making process.[LNB]It emphasises the importance of wooing Warner, a controversial figure in world football and one on whom England's bid has previously stumbled.[LNB]The most notable incident was a curious row over the gift of a £230 Mulberry handbag, which Warner subsequently returned, shortly after criticising the FA for not providing 'goody bags' at a conference in London and insisting their bid needed more 'stardust.'[LNB]Crucial: Jack Warner holds the key to three votes in the 2018 bid process [LNB]However, Warner has carries power on three of the 24 votes England are chasing and he will play a large part in determining who wins the 2018 bid. England need 13 votes to win.[LNB]With CONCACAF members USA likely to pull out of the race all three votes could be up for grabs and England's bid team see them as key to the decision in December.[LNB]Warner, happy to be receiving Beckham, said: 'I would like to express my thanks to David and his team for arranging this.[LNB]'It is heartening to know that a man of such international stature remains committed to the development of talent worldwide.[LNB]'This is remarkable opportunity for the 200 participants. The fact that despite his busy schedule David has taken the time to open this festival, to share his knowledge with the children is testament to his character.'[LNB]Beckham's academy is an official partner of the England 2018 bid and is a forerunner to similar projects the team has promised in each of the confederations before 2017 if England win.[LNB]A statement from Beckham said: 'Trinidad and Tobago have produced some excellent players over the years and the islands are full of young people who love football.[LNB]'Encouraging young girls to play football has always been an important part of the thinking behind the Academy and it will be great to take this opportunity to also see some of the world's best young women play in the Under-17 Final. Time to switch off! Match of the Day is just 'stale and smug', blasts CollymoreI won't go route one for Roy: Agger speaks out against Liverpool bossSnubbed Given should consider Italian job, says Ireland boss Trapattoni Spurs boss Redknapp admits he signed video star Sandro on trust [LNB]
