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The White House played host to one of the sport's most recognizable figures Tuesday. David Beckham and his L-A Galaxy crew received championship honors from U-S President Barack Obama.
As is now a custom with championship teams from the United States, a trip to the White House is on the agenda following a title run.
The latest team to get the Presidential welcome was the MLS champion LA Galaxy, which just happens to be the team that one of the sport's most notable players -- David Beckham plays for.
Becks was honored and also teased by the US President.
Barack Obama, President of the Unites States, said, "Last year, at the age of 36, David had his best year in MLS, leading the team with 15 assists. He did it despite fracturing his spine halfway through the season, injuring his hamstring the week before the championship game. He is tough. In fact, it is a rare man who can be that tough on the field and also have his own line of underwear. David Beckham is that man."
Beckham was not the only one to get chided by Obama.
Barack Obama, President of the Unites States, said, "Robbie arrived halfway through last season, scored his first goal in the first 21 minutes of his first game. His teammates were so happy to have him that they filled his locker with what they called the "pleasures of Ireland" - Guinness, Bailey's, and Irish Spring."
Now it was not all fun and games. Beckham and his teammates spoke to twenty-six participants from the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Soccer for Success program joined by the US First Lady Michelle Obama and he provided a little motivation to the aspiring athletes that also got a chance to go to the White House.
David Beckham, midfielder of Los Angeles Galaxy, said, "So there was a lot of hard work involved. But I wanted to enjoy the sport. I wanted to enjoy doing something like soccer and continue to do it. So I was very luck throughout my career. I stayed dedicated and I had a lot of good people around me - Family and friends. But it is about hard work. It's about looking after yourself. It's about eating the right things. Drinking the right things and working hard. The enjoyment part is the biggest part and I still love playing soccer like I did when I was your age. Thank you."
Original plans for the Galaxy to hold a soccer clinic for the youngsters on the South Lawn were shelved due to bad weather, but the kids were still happy to talk to one of their football idols.
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