UK: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: David Beckham rewarded for contribution to British sport

Former England Soccer Captain David Beckham on Thursday (March 29) won the Outstanding Contribution to British Sport award at the Sport Industry Awards in London. Beckham captained the English national team from 15 November 2000 July 2 2006 and is the is the fifth most capped player of all time and holds the distinction of being the only English player to have scored in three World Cup tournaments. Beckham, who was accompanied by his wife, Victoria and members of their family, received the award from Chelsea striker, Thierry Henry and Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Olympic chairman. He paid tribute to Manchester United and Real Madrid fans for spurring him along in his career. Video tributes were led by British Prime Minister, Tony Blair who called Beckham, "A huge cultural icon for our country," adding, "But most of all he plays football, he plays it brilliantly and when he wore the England shirt he did it with honour and dignity and pride." Beckham's former boss, Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who recalled the time he first met Beckham as a young boy at Manchester, "I'll always remember that little elfin face 5 foot nothing and grown into a fantastic footballer. You were a credit to the game, a credit to Manchester United. So all I can say is from behalf of everyone of Manchester United, well done, congratulations have a great night." Bringing a large round of applause, Beckham used the podium to say how disappointed he was not to be playing with the England team, having been sidelined by manager Steve McClaren, saying he is ready and willing to join the team whenever needed. "Not being in the team is very very difficult, but I have always said and I will always say, while I am still playing, I am always available for the country." The award was given to Beckham in recognition of his legacy for British sport both as a player and an ambassador. As he prepares to head to America on his multi-million pound transfer to LA Galaxy, the award pays tribute to his role as one of the most prominent sports exports from the UK. Speaking to Reuters after the ceremony, Beckham refused to be drawn into the wave of antipathy in England towards England manager Steve McClaren who's being blamed for the team's poor performance in the current European Championship qualifiers. He also admitted he was disappointed and "surprised" that Real Madrid hasn't won a major trophy since he joined several years ago. "It is a surprise, because obviously you play in a team like Real Madrid with some of the best players in the world, especially in the first year because we had the like of Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos and Raul and so many more so it is hard to take, but at the end of the day I don't regret my decision of going to Spain and going to Real Madrid, it's its....." Beckham is the first individual to win the Outstanding Contribution to British Sport award. Last year's winner was London 2012 successful Olympic bid team. Known in the sport industry as the 'Oscars of the sports world', The Sport Industry Awards, recognise commercial achievements in UK sport.

ITN Source | March 31, 2007

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