News
Prince William visits a football project in Blackburn as President of The Football Association
9th May 2008
Prince William demonstrated his footballing skills during a kickabout with schoolchildren in Blackburn today.
He visited St Aidan's Church of England Primary School in Blackburn, Lancashire, to take part in a Skills Programme set up by The Football Association (FA), of which he is President.
St Aidan's is involved in The FA Tesco Skills Programme, which aims to give one million children in England top-quality skills coaching by 2010.
William was accompanied by The FA Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking.
Sir Trevor said: "We want to try and get the youngsters to participate and see that it's not too judgmental early on. It's about having a bit of fun with your friends."
He praised William's communication skills, saying: "William is very strong at that."
Prince William practised his football dribbling technique alongside Nathan Brown.
Nathan, 11, said: "Not everyone gets to have a kickabout with him. It's a lifetime opportunity, it's not every day someone gets to meet a prince."
Hayley Probert, 11, said: "It was really exciting to meet the future King. He started talking to me about football and what teams we support. He supports Aston Villa."
Blackburn Mayor, Councillor Maureen McGarvey, said: "We appreciate him for what he's doing and the way he responds to children.
"He's like his mum. He's got the normal thing about him that just appeals to people."
Laura Pooles, St Aidan's Associate Headteacher, said: "We're very proud that he's chosen to come to our school."
Prince William was greeted with applause by an enthusiastic crowd, which included a local resident who watched him arrive from a deckchair outside his terraced house.