Rio Ferdinand is hoping a soccer academy will help to make a difference to the young population of Uganda.

The Manchester United defender is spearheading a project to set up an academy in the African country, with the aim of also improving children's education.

"I've always been brought up that if you've got anything to try and spread it and help others, and that's what the aim is really," Ferdinand told Sky Sports News.

"It's kind of two-fold in that the kids won't be able to come to the academy unless they're into school and go to school on a regular basis.

"The academy will have an affiliation with schools in the local area to make sure each kid is attending and doing well in school, otherwise their football will suffer as they won't be able to attend.

"That's the important thing. The kids have to realise you might not become a footballer.

"There are very few out of the thousands and thousands, and millions, who try to become a footballer that do make it."