David Beckham Draws Attention to Football 5-a-Side

"It has been a fantastic experience training with the ParalympicsGB 5-a-side Football squad, as I have never experienced or participated in blind football before. They are a real testament to the quality of our Paralympic athletes. The character and determination they show by doing this every single day, makes me proud to be British."

Sainsbury's, an official Partner of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, has premiered a new video campaign created with its Paralympic Games Ambassador David Beckham on Thursday (24 November).

By partnering with Beckham, Sainsbury's hopes to inspire children of all ages and abilities to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.

The film focuses on Dave Clarke – Great Britain’s Football 5-a-Side captain from the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games – as he coaches the blindfolded Beckham through a set of drills. The campaign aims to drive further awareness of the Sainsbury's Million Kids Challenge, while highlighting the level of skill and commitment required to participate in Paralympic Sport.

The Sainsbury's Million Kids Challenge was launched in April this year, and through the distribution of free Paralympic sports equipment to schools, kids of all ages and abilities are being given the opportunity to have a go at Paralympic Football 5-a-Side, Sitting Volleyball and Goalball. The Challenge has already been taken up by over 6,000 schools with an estimated two million kids signed up to participate. Schools can also win rewards and benefits such as being involved in the Paralympic Torch Relay.

"It has been a fantastic experience training with the ParalympicsGB 5-a-side Football squad, as I have never experienced or participated in blind football before,” Beckham said. “They are a real testament to the quality of our Paralympic athletes. The character and determination they show by doing this every single day, makes me proud to be British."

Clarke was just as grateful.

“Spending a day training with a world football icon like David Beckham was a great experience we will never forget,” Clarke said.

“This opportunity allowed our squad to showcase the skills and levels of concentration needed to participate in blind football at an elite level. With David's support and through the Sainsbury's Million Kids Challenge, we are encouraging much of the UK to experience Paralympic Sports for the first time."

To view the film, please visit www.youtube.com/Sainsburys.

Football 5-a-Side will be one of 20 sports featured at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.