London – Brooklyn Beckham is aiming to follow in his famous father’s footsteps after taking part in a secret trial for Chelsea.
David Beckham took his eldest son to the club’s Cobham training centre on Tuesday for his latest run-out in front of academy director Neil Bath.
It is the third time 13-year-old Brooklyn – who was in the academy at LA Galaxy during his father’s time in the MLS – has been watched by Chelsea and he is scheduled for more sessions over the coming weeks.
Showing similar playing characteristics to his dad, the Beckhams’ first born is dreaming of a career in the top flight.
Chelsea tried to keep Brooklyn’s trial secret, but some of the club’s academy players could not resist posing for pictures with David, who watched from the sidelines during his son’s trial match for the Under 14 team.
Chelsea’s academy is fast becoming a celebrity hangout with a number of top players’ children there as the club searches for new talent.
Former player Wayne Bridge, now on loan at Brighton from Manchester City, takes his young son Jaydon to the academy and Didier Drogba, who won the European Cup during his glorious career at the club, has children there. Chef Gordon Ramsay’s son Jack is also on trial and Freddie Flintoff’s young sons Corey and Rocky are regulars at Cobham.
Brooklyn Beckham is approaching the age when top clubs will be able to make a call on his prospects of reaching the top.
Former England captain Beckham famously practised his crosses and free-kicks for hours at Ridgeway Park in Chingford with his father, Ted, during his early years.
Beckham was signed by Manchester United when he was 14 after he won a skills competition at the Bobby Charlton Soccer School and he went on to become one of the biggest names in world football.
He was capped 115 times by England and won six league titles with United, one with Real Madrid and two during his spell with LA Galaxy.
Beckham, who has yet to decide on his playing future after leaving LA Galaxy, is providing full support for Brooklyn and it is understood the youngster is aware that few academy players go on to become top players.
If he does make the grade, it will not be the first father and son combination to play top-class football.
Other father-and-son professionals include Teddy and Charlie Sheringham; Mark Chamberlain and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Arnor and Eidur Gudjohnsen and Johan and Jordi Cruyff. – Daily Mail