Beckham visits Papua New Guinea

MOUNT HAGEN – British soccer star David Beckham has taken to the pitch in Papua New Guinea’s highlands for an exhibition match in front of villagers – some of whom have never heard of him.

Beckham is visiting PNG as part of a global project to mark his 10 years as ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).

He will be playing charity football across seven countries to promote awareness and raise funds for Unicef’s work for children.

He has also visited children receiving treatment for malnutrition at a Unicef-supported hospital in Mount Hagen.

“I launched my own Fund with Unicef because I wanted to help build a safer world for children,” Beckham said. “I feel very proud to be here to see how money raised is helping to keep malnourished children healthy and safe.”

Beckham arrived in Western Highlands Province on Wednesday and was greeted by sports minister Justin Tkatchenko and government officials.

Tkatchenko said PNG was the first country the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder wanted to visit in this tour.

“David Beckham is playing a soccer match in the seven countries that he’s visiting and Papua New Guinea is the first port of call. We are very proud,” Tkatchenko said.

“In November 2016 we will be having the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup here, so it is a great timing for him to be here promoting soccer and himself in Papua New Guinea.”

Tkatchenko said it was a “really special and fantastic day” for the people of Mount Hagen.

“Two local teams from two different villagers here in Mount Hagen will be playing with him,” Tkatchenko said.

“A lot of them don’t know who this guy is and how famous he is.

“But those who have access to social media and that play soccer and have the love for the sport are just over the moon.”

Following the exhibition match, Beckham will visit Mount Hagen General Hospital before departing for Nepal.

Beckham launched Unicef’s 7 Fund — named after the former England skipper’s shirt number — in February, focusing on seven countries where children are at risk.

As part of the project, Beckham will feature in a documentary film which will follow his journey to PNG, Nepal, Argentina, Djibouti, the United States, Antarctica and England.

“It is his personal commitment to use his powerful global voice, influence and connections to raise vital funds and advocate for change for children across every region of the world,” UNICEF said in a statement.