Beckham Academy reborn as the London Soccerdome

But The Wharf can exclusively reveal that the Football Nights Foundation, the charity arm of a successful sports promotion company, has struck a deal with landlords AEG Europe to host football themed events under its new name, the London Soccerdome.

Chief executive Richard Berenson spoke to The Wharf about what people can expect.

He said: "We're up and running and open for business and we want everyone in Canary Wharf to know it. We've already had some bookings because it is a well known venue and its been very popular over the years.

"I hope companies in Canary Wharf will continue to use the London Soccerdome as their venue of choice. I believe we will soon be as busy as the old Academy was, especially as we have a lot of very big football names working with us."

The Beckham brand may have disappeared but the infrastructure, including two full-sized artificial pitches, installed at the venue when it opened in 2005 remains in place.

Corporate tournaments will be the backbone of business, but it will also host coaching sessions for children. Unlike its predecessor, the London Soccerdome will not employ coaches directly, bringing them in as and when they are needed.

Mr Berenson said: "We're a charity ourselves so a lot of our kids coaching is aimed at that level, where we will be working in partnership with charities such as Clic Sargent.

"We'll be working with some big names, which will certainly excite the children. We're lining up something with Sol Campbell's charity Kids Go Live and there will be plenty more happening this year."

Football Nights have an established track record of organising tournaments, including many at Premier League grounds. It struck a deal with leaseholders AEG Europe late last month, initially until the summer.

Mr Berenson said: "AEG's lease expires on June 23 but both they and we are committed to extending it. The building will be used as a training facility for the 2012 Olympics, and the gymnasts who will be using it will arrive in March that year.

"But we feel what we offer means we will be able to continue to operate successfully until then, and with the World Cup coming up there will be even more interest in football this year."

And has Goldenballs himself been in touch?

Mr Berenson said: "We haven't spoken to David but I'm sure he would be pleased we are keeping it alive. It's a great venue and I believe it will continue to be very successful."

For details and bookings visit thelondonsoccerdome.com or email bookings@thelondonsoccerdome.com.