David Beckham Visits Miami Soccer Team
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami soccer team had the experience of a lifetime Wednesday, spending time with world soccer superstar David Beckham.
The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year runner-up is the focus of a BBC film in coordination with UNICEF where Beckham visits all seven continents in a matter of days and plays a game in each one. The trip to North America took Beckham and the crew to Miami and the Hurricane soccer team.
Miami’s coaching staff and the five outgoing seniors, Ava Ambrose, Erin McGovern, Natalie Moik, Jasmine Paterson and Amy Schmidt, met with Beckham in the morning on South Beach to kick off the day. After introductions, interviews and some juggling on the beach, the group came back to the UM campus in the evening.
There, Beckham, donning an orange “The U” shirt, met with the full UM soccer team, signing autographs, taking pictures and answering players’ questions at Cobb Stadium. Beckham toured the facility and additional interviews were conducted, as well.
The night continued at Brickell Soccer Roof Top for a game of 7v7, with Miami’s seniors and head coach Mary-Frances Monroe on one side, and players from Florida Atlantic on the other. Beckham began the game by playing with Miami, before switching sides for the second half.
Following the game, Beckham again posed for pictures, signed autographs and answered questions.
A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Beckham started “7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund” earlier this year and the film is in conjunction with that effort. The visit to Miami focused in part on how soccer can empower women and provide opportunities.
The seven-continent journey will conclude with Beckham and some of the most recognizable soccer players in the world playing a match Nov. 14 at Old Trafford, the home of Beckham’s former club, Manchester United. Stars such as Michael Ballack, Landon Donovan, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Ronaldihno, John Terry, and Zinedine Zidane will take part in the contest.
Beckham recently visited places such as Antarctica, Nepal and Papua New Guinea for the filming. The final product will air on BBC One and then around the world.
To learn more about 7, visit 7.org. For more information on the University of Miami soccer team, follow @CanesFutbol.
