If you can't bend it like David Beckham, you can at least follow his health tips.

In his capacity as insurance giant AIA's global ambassador, the soccer icon was in Beijing last week to promote healthy living among children and parents - as well as treating kids to a display of his trademark freekick skills.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England midfielder, who retired in 2013 following a 20-year trophy-laden career, first stopped off for an early climb at the Great Wall with some local children, who explained some of the site's history.

Later, he attended a special "kid's press conference", where young "reporters" quizzed the 43-year-old on health and wellness in daily life, with topics such as nutrition and how to find a balance between study and play discussed.

There was also time for a kickaround with aspiring young players participating in AIA's China Youth Football Development Program, with the Great Wall providing a stunning backdrop.

One of the kids, Li Kaifeng, had previously enjoyed top-class soccer tutelage thanks to AIA by visiting Tottenham Hotspur's training center in London earlier this year.

"I really enjoyed spending time with the children today - we had a great time kicking a ball around and listening to their questions about healthy living," said Beckham.

"It is a topic that's important to me, and as a parent I try my best to encourage my children to care about their health."

Beckham has been doing charity work since his playing days, including serving as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF in 2005 when he was at Manchester United.

His philanthropic side was once again in evidence on Saturday at the China Film Directors Center, where he supported the Angel Heart organization's on-site auction by signing a painting created by 16-year-old Lin Yuhui, who has autism.

Lin's painting was selected from AIA's recent Angel Heart Star Painting Competition, which was open to children with autism. The artwork will adorn various pieces of merchandise to be sold, with proceeds going to the AIA China Angel Heart Project.

Beckham's role as AIA global ambassador kicked into gear with last year's "What's Your Why?" campaign, which encouraged people to think about their motivation for wanting to lead a healthier life.

The campaign was recently extended through a surprise news conference held with Beckham and children from across Asia, which focused more deeply on different health topics.

In China, AIA supports millions of customers as a leading life and health insurer and now endeavors to also be a "health companion" to customers.

AIA China CEO Fisher Zhang said: "Public health is a key concern for us at AIA China, and we look forward to working with more partners to promote health awareness and preventative care.

"Through Mr. Beckham's China trip, we hope to draw public attention to the importance of health and wellness in the family, which encompasses physical health as well as positive parent-child relationships. With our 100th anniversary coming up in 2019, we look forward to continuously bolstering our health services and empowering our customers to realize a better life."

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