Sir David Beckham went back to school on Thursday, but he was nowhere near his old stomping ground at Chingford County High while teaching a group of eager pupils how to play football.Â
Britain’s newest knight of the realm has travelled to India on behalf of Education Above All, a Qatari based foundation that aims to provide ‘quality education and employment opportunities’ to children living in impoverished communities across the world.Â
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Beckham, 50, was treated to a welcome dance after arriving at a local school in Visakhapatnam, where he appeared to be in his element while getting involved in a series of activities, among them a one-touch football tutorial.Â
The former Manchester United and England footballer proved he’s lost none of his impressive skills while juggling a football on his shoulders, before offering a helping hand as the kids set to work planting trees in the school garden.Â
Beckham, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was on hand to observe the impact Education Above All’s collaborative Project-Based Learning (PBL) programme has had on local students. Â
The initiative, managed in partnership with Mantra4Change, aims at improving education across Indian states Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Nagaland.Â
Sir David Beckham went back to school on Thursday, but he was nowhere near his old stomping ground at Chingford County High while teaching pupils how to play footballÂ
Beckham has travelled to India on behalf of Education Above All, a foundation that aims to provide ‘education and employment opportunities’ to children in impoverished communities
‘It gives us great joy that Sir David Beckham chose to visit one of our MJP schools, P. Madhavi Latha, secretary, MJPAPBCWREIS , told The Hindu Times.Â
‘His presence at our school in a place like Kothavalasa is a reminder that when we work with the right intent and dedication, extraordinary things can happen.’Â Â
Beckham quietly observed students led discussions before he was walked through through an exhibition of English, Mathematics and Science projects, created by local children.Â
He was later involved in a tree-planting ceremony, where pupils explained how saplings can be scanned and labelled with the aid of digital identifiers.Â
Beckham’s four-hour visit also included a trip to the school library, where he sat in on a reading circle as children discussed their favourite books.Â
The former footballer’s involvement in the initiative comes after it was announced that he will support horticulturist and TV presenter Frances Tophill as she designs a space for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Beckham will be involved in the project as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, which is working with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to create the garden.
Named The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, it aims to encourage visitors to discover the joy of getting curious about gardening and the vital contribution plants make to the health of people, places and the planet.
The former footballer appeared to be in his element while getting involved in a series of activities at a local school in Visakhapatnam
Beckham, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was on hand to observe the impact Education Above All’s collaborative Project-Based Learning (PBL) programme has had on local studentsÂ
The initiative, managed in partnership with Mantra4Change, aims at improving education across Indian states Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Nagaland
Beckham, who has shared his interest in gardening on social media, said: ‘My love for the countryside started when I was a child visiting my grandparents.
‘I’ve experienced how rewarding gardening can be and that’s why I’m looking forward to working with The RHS and The King’s Foundation on their Curious Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
‘I hope we inspire people to get outside into nature and to try something new.’Â
Gardeners’ World presenter Tophill said: ‘I’m thrilled to be working with everyone involved to bring my first Chelsea garden to life and really explore my own curiosity about plants and their vital role in bringing health to people and to planet.’Â
Broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh will also be involved in the project for the flower show, which runs from May 19 to 23.
Beckham’s four hour long visit also included a trip to the school library, where he sat in on a reading circle as children discussed their favourite books
The former footballer ended the visit with a one-touch football tutorial in the school playground
Beckham shared highlights from his visit to the local school across social media on Thursday Â
The King’s Foundation works to build sustainable communities and transform lives through practical education programmes and projects.
Part of the charity’s work is to encourage the next generation to learn in and from nature, with gardening courses offered at The King’s Foundation headquarters at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire.
Garden apprentices and trainees from both The King’s Foundation’s gardens and the RHS will be invited to be involved with the Chelsea garden.
The project will also celebrate the specialist traditional skills of The King’s Foundation students and graduates, such as woodwork.
