Beckham to launch London soccer school

England captain David Beckham will open the first of his international soccer schools close to the Millennium Dome, it was confirmed today.

The Real Madrid player will visit the site, on the Greenwich peninsula, on Monday morning to officially unveil his plans.

He will be joined by pupils from his former school, Chase Lane Junior, in Chingford, east London who will be among children offered training.

A spokesman said: "David will be revealing the details of his plans, but this is just the first school.

"The next will be opened in Los Angeles and eventually he hopes to offer training to kids from every school in Britain."

It is thought coaches will work with boys and girls aged up to 15.

Beckham, 29, claims to have been inspired to set up the network after attending the Bobby Charlton school as a youngster.

He has said he will devote his time to the scheme at the end of his playing career, rather than enter management.