David Beckham sets up new training academy for people to get better at FIFA

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Football legend David Beckham has set up a new training academy – for gamers.

The ex-England and Manchester United captain recognises the massive future of online virtual sport and wants to nurture its stars.

Wannabes will get football-style coaching at the new Guild Esports Academy – which Beckham has a stake in – to improve their gameplay in console titles like FIFA.

The school – which will offer pupils from the age of 11 schooling on gaming techniques and life skills – hopes to unearth an `esport Becks’.

The 46-year-old star, who signed a £14million deal with Guild Esports last year, said he hoped the enterprise would mirror the success of the United training academy where he honed his skills alongside fellow members of the Class of 92.

“I was very lucky to have been part of a very successful academy system when I was growing up,’’ he said.

“Academy systems are so important. You gain so many life skills from it.’’

Beckham said it was important for future esport stars to have a community which would support their physical and mental well-being while educating them and their parents.

“What we’ve tried to do is be ground-breaking – and we have been,’’ he said.

“The fact that we’re doing things in the way that we’re doing it and we’re giving the opportunity to kids to actually have opportunities, that’s the biggest thing.

“We’re the first esports team to provide a safe space in the digital world.’’

A company spokesman said: “Guild’s vision is to use its unique academy structure to find the next generation of talent within esports by scouting players showing the most potential.

“The mission at the heart of the academy is to ensure all players leave having acquired new skills, both in gaming and life, regardless of whether they turn professional."

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    • The first specific training sessions will be in Fortnite and Rocket League with FIFA and Valorant to follow.

    Academy director Joe Sutton said: “We’ll be working to provide each player the tools to reach their gaming potential whilst also setting them up with life skills for the future.’’

    Football video games will soon be bigger than the real thing, according to godfather of gaming Nolan Bushnell.

    The 78-year-old co-founder of Atari and inventor of hit game Pong said said: “People would much rather watch or play esports than watch traditional football. I see a time when esports will eclipse the football World Cup."

    READ MORE: Five Man Utd youngsters Wayne Rooney can poach for Derby on loan next season

    READ MORE: Tyson Fury hangs out with Man Utd hero David Beckham as he trains in Miami

    • David Beckham
    • Fortnite
    • Manchester United FC
    • Esports

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