THE Jimmy Greaves Football Academy will soon be opening in Wickford.

Jimmy is still regarded as one of England’s best ever strikers after enjoying an incredibly successful playing career.

And his son Danny will now be opening an academy in his dad’s name at Beauchamps School.

“Work has been going on with this for a while now and it’s very exciting to be able to go public with it all now,” said Danny, who played for Southend United in his own career.

“The academy will be for 16 to 19 year-olds and I’m really looking forward to it taking off.

“Beauchamps is a fantastic school and it was rated as outstanding by the latest OFSTED inspection so it’s great to be teaming up with them.

“Their facilities are first class too.

“They have a state of the art 3G pitch which will be opening soon and the beauty of that is that we will be able to train every single day, whatever the weather.”

The footballers involved with the academy would work towards their choice of qualifications at the school and would also play competitive matches most weeks.

And due to Jimmy’s legendary status at Spurs, the London club will also deliver selected technical sessions to the students during the course of the season

“Once a term we will be taking the boys to Tottenham’s training ground for them to watch a training session,” said Danny.

“Additionally, selected students will have the opportunity to have a training session at Tottenham’s training ground – led by the club’s global coaching team.

“We’re only looking at having quite a small group.

“But I’m excited about it all getting underway because a lot of hard work has already gone into it.”

Danny, who has an UEFA A coaching badge, will head up the academy and will regularly take the group’s training sessions.

The 55-year-old will begin the role next month before welcoming students to the scheme in September.

“There’s still bits and pieces to be sorted out but I’m really pleased to be able to bring this to Wickford,” said Danny.

“It will be good for the area and we look forward to welcoming everyone in to the academy.

“I’m sure it will prove to be popular.

“It will also stop youngsters around here having to travel further afar to continue their education and their progress on the football pitch too.”

Anyone who is interested in joining the Jimmy Greaves Academy should email footballacademy@beauchamps.essex.sch.uk for more details and further information.