Footballer Rio Ferdinand has partnered with Central Bedfordshore Council to revitalise one of the most deprived areas is Houghton Regis.

Legacy, the former Manchester United defender's regeneration firm, is to develop a world-class sports academy, education and community facilities to transform the lives of young people.

Set in the 22-hectare Kingsland site, the project will see Houghton Regis benefit from a leading sports academy while the former England international will personally coach aspiring young footballers.

Rio Ferdinand, Chairman of Legacy, said: "We aim to help all young people develop to their full potential. My team-mates and I have seen at first hand the transformational effect that football can have on young lives. It transformed my life and I intend to use my platform to forge a legacy for young people everywhere. Legacy is building for people by responding to the needs of local communities and, by doing this across the UK, we will be building a brand and a long-term relationship with the people who live in our homes."

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Central Bedfordshire Council Leader Cllr James Jamieson also introduced a six-month period of exclusivity with Legacy to develop the plans for the Kingsland project.

He said: "At Central Bedfordshire we’re all about transforming communities, making places the very best they can be and enhancing life chances for residents, especially the young, by giving them the skills to change their futures.

"We are both proud and excited to be working with people who share these ambitions, colleagues from Central Government, our partners in Aviva and, of course, the inspiring and passionate advocate of social change, Rio Ferdinand. So it is with delight that we announce these plans for Kingsland as a statement of intent to regenerate 22 hectares of our land for this inspirational sport-led development, to be brought forward by Legacy."

(CD)