Former soccer star David Beckham launches children's fund

LONDON — David Beckham has marked his 10th year as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF by setting up a new personal fund, saying he wants to "raise millions" to help protect the world's most vulnerable children.

Named after Beckham's jersey number during his career with Manchester United and England, "7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund" was launched in London on Monday and is encouraging world leaders to create lasting positive change for children.

Beckham says "the need to help children has never been greater and since retiring I have more time and I want to do so much more."

Beckham, one of the most iconic figures in sports, retired in 2013 after a playing career with United, Real Madrid, the Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.