A YOUNG athlete from Bournemouth had the surprise of a lifetime when he found himself part of a motivational session led by former England football captain David Beckham.

Nathan Fullerton, 17, who attends the Leaf Elite Athlete Academy in West Howe, went to the session as part of the Sainsbury’s Show Your Support campaign.

It aimed to inspire a group of young athletes, all competing in the Sainsbury’s School Games.

Nathan was surprised to find that the session was being led by Beckham and Paralympic gold medallist Jonnie Peacock.

Sporting icons Beckham and Peacock shared invaluable advice and support to prepare the athletes for the competition, giving insight on achieving their goals, managing pressure and success and the importance of resilience.

Nathan is competing in the volleyball at the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games in Manchester, which ends tomorrow, along with 1,600 other budding stars aged 11-17.

He said: “To actually meet David Beckham and Jonnie Peacock was a truly unforgettable experience and one that I will treasure forever. Their advice and words of wisdom have left me feeling even more excited for the Games. Bring them on.”

Beckham, who is a Sainsbury’s Active Kids ambassador, added: “The group of young athletes we met today are at such an exciting time in their sporting careers.

“It was brilliant to see the enthusiasm and motivation for sport that Jonnie and I both recognised in ourselves at that age.”