David Beckham, in his role as UK soccer ambassador, has made his way to the island nation of Trinidad & Tobago in an attempt to convince the FIFA Executive Committee (which oversees the decision-making process that determines which countries will host the World Cup Soccer Tournament) that the 2018 World Cup tourney should be hosted by England. But, while Becks was in T&T, he also did a bit of fraternizing with the locals. Here are a few photos of Becks coaching some kids at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Port of Spain kicking off the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation‘s 6-day festival along with some deets about the official nature of his visit:

David Beckham flew to Trinidad from Los Angeles yesterday on a 24-hour mission to win hearts, minds and crucial votes at the beginning of the end-game to bringing the 2018 World Cup to England. In just 67 days’ time in Zurich, the 24-man FIFA executive committee will announce who will host the biggest football show on earth after Brazil entertain the world four years from now. And for Beckham, the flying visit to the Caribbean is a moment to deliver a significant message to the powerbrokers of the world game. ‘A World Cup in England would be an inspiration for a whole new generation – just as the Olympics already are,’ said Beckham. ‘The prospect of having the world’s best players in the world’s best tournament right on your doorstep is truly amazing.’ Beckham’s pre-eminence among British sporting stars prompted Lord Coe to include him as part of the team assembled to deliver the 2012 Olympic Games to London with a brilliant presentation in Singapore five years ago – and the 35-year-old, England’s most capped outfield player, feels the nation could be celebrating again on December 2 … With FIFA president Sepp Blatter and members of his executive committee also in Port of Spain, Beckham will launch a six-day football festival in Trinidad and Tobago this morning run by his football academy. But Beckham’s role, as a 2018 ambassador, has extended beyond providing timely photo-shoots. Andy Anson, chief executive for England 2018, who is lobbying in Trinidad with David Dein, the international president for the bid team, said yesterday: ‘David has been a fantastic ambassador, who has met the majority of the FIFA executive committee. ‘He has been integral to our bid process and he has made a fabulous impression because football is his life. Important men of such influence as Franz Beckenbauer and Michel Platini, great footballers of the past, have valued the thoughts of such a high-profile current player as David. He has great humility and is a genuinely decent person, passionate about the cause. We couldn’t have asked for any greater commitment than that shown by David; his presence adds a level of excitement. After all, this is all about football.’

It’s quite clear that David Beckham would do anything asked of him in order to support the English Soccer Team. I know he was devastated earlier this year when his injury forced him off the English Team at the World Cup in June so I’m certain that he is really hoping to help secure the World Cup for England in 2018 … even tho he will not be able to play, it’s the least he can do for the country and national soccer team that he loves so much. I understand that Becks‘s eldest son Brooklyn Joseph accompanied him to Trinidad but because the visit is so short, we may not get to see father and son together until they return home from their quick trip. In any event, here’s hoping Becks‘s visit will work in England’s favor.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]