California dream for Beckham fan who beat illness

Beckham agreed to meet up with Will Kitching as part of a special 16th birthday treat organised by his father Gary, who has helped him overcome his problems.

The former England captain suggested he meet Will during training with his team, LA Galaxy, and father and son came face to face with their idol during a week-long trip to California.

Mr Kitching said Will was 14 when a chance remark by a football coach sparked a severe eating disorder that saw his weight drop to just six stones.

The youngster, who was with a professional club’s school of excellence, was referred to Firststeps, a Derby-based charity, which helped him on the road to recovery.

Mr Kitching, from Maltby, Rotherham, said “A coach simply said to him that he needed to lose a little bit of weight. It was not meant maliciously but it had a dramatic effect.

“He was ill for some time but Firststeps were amazing and we owe so much to then. He has battled back and is now okay and weighs nearly eight stones.

Will, a sixth-former at Maltby Academy who is now training with Sheffield United’s development squad said:” My dad planned all this a special birthday present but he kept it from me as a surprise.

“Going to California was brilliant in itself, but meeting David and the other players made it really special. He is really normal even though he is one of the best players in the world.

“He signed my golden boots and asked me who I played for. It was a dream come true and it was a birthday I will never forget.”