Photobomb it like Beckham

It was a night to remember for new US import Steven Gerrard, but it was also one to cherish for a local lad who ‘shared’ his global limelight.

Gerrard scored one and set up two as his LA Galaxy side beat San Jose Earthquakes 5-2 in Major League Soccer (MLS) at the weekend.

The world’s football media heralded the debut, as did Galaxy legend David Beckham whose attendance at the game drew just as much publicity as the heroics on the pitch. It also brought some surprise kudos for former Welshpool man Olly Bayliss.

“I started getting messages from people back home that Becks had photobombed a picture I was in!” said Olly, 42, who lives in the USA.

“It was a nice shock to see the picture. There’s Becks with his family and then there is me!”

Olly is the Territory Manager for Kidz Love Soccer, a recreational football programme for kids aged from 2-10 with a goal to get them playing the game in a comfortable environment.

The organisation has ties with a number of MLS clubs and the Galaxy game was in high demand, but Olly used his contacts to secure the best tickets, which happened to be right in front of the Galaxy’s VIP box.

“David Beckham was in there with his kids, as well as the wives of Gerrard and Robbie Keane. When other people realised, he was getting hounded but he was very gracious as he was trying to watch the game.

“You say ‘Hi’ and he nods, and on one of the freekicks Gerrard was about to take, I chatted to Brooklyn Beckham about which way it was going and we both got it right, it hit the crossbar!

“At the end of the game, he waved to the fans and was escorted out by security.”

Olly, a former Wales schoolboy international, has also met the likes of Gareth Bale (pictured) during his time in the US where football is blossoming thanks to players like Gerrard and other stars choosing to end their playing days across the Atlantic.

MAIN PICTURE: The money shot... Olly's (front) picture 'photobombed' by Beckham.