David Beckham launches British talent academy

David Beckham is hoping to provide art and sports opportunities for a generation of children with the launch of a special academy to support rising talent.

The former England captain is an ambassador for the Sky Academy, an initiative launched by Rupert Murdoch's Sky TV network.

Beckham helped to launch the project at its London headquarters on Tuesday (05Nov13), and he insisted he feels honoured to be involved in a scheme designed to transform the lives of one million children by 2020.

He says, "I've been very lucky enough to become a role model for a few children over the past, and becoming a Sky ambassador is something that I was very proud of. But it's not just about the sports - it's about TV, it's about the arts. It's about creating the opportunities for young children...

"When I was young, (role models) helped me to believe in myself and gave me the confidence to follow my dreams. That's what Sky Academy will do and I'm excited to be a part of it."

The academy will support up-and-coming talent in the U.K. with a range of initiatives, including a schools-based program to use sport to motivate youngsters.