Prince William shows off football skills with Street Soccer Scotland

Prince William has visited a community centre in Leith for a kickabout as The Royal Foundation announced a new partnership with Street Soccer Scotland.

The partnership will see Kate and William’s Royal Foundation provide funding to revitalise Leith Community Centre in a bid to promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen social connections for thousands of local people of all ages.

On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales met with the founder of Street Soccer Scotland David Duke MBE at the centre, as well as coaches and players, some of whom have experienced homelessness.

Originating in Leith in 2009, Street Soccer Scotland delivers free football-themed training and personal development programmes for socially disadvantaged adults and young people across Scotland.

Prince William shares a joke with Street Soccer Scotland founder and CEO David Duke (L), a football coach and player during a visit to Leith Community Centre. Getty Images

William heard how the new partnership will benefit socially disadvantaged adults and young people in the Leith area. He went on to have a kickabout at the facility, and was pictured laughing with football players.

He also joined a discussion with Edinburgh YMCA’s Youth Forum, hosted by CEO Mike Kerracher, to hear young people from across Leith talk about their aspirations for the community centre and upcoming projects.

As part of the partnership, Leith Community Centre and YMCA Edinburgh have come together to create Leith United, and it is hope the coalition will set a framework that other communities can utilise and learn from.

The Royal Foundation has been working closely with Leith United to help establish funding that will enable a dedicated outreach worker in the community to better support individuals experiencing social challenges.

Football equipment has also been donated by Mitre – the official ball supplier for the FA and football governing bodies globally – to support the sports-based initiatives taking place at Leith Community Centre.

This work is part of The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact ongoing programme which seeks to mobilise unique coalitions to help communities foster greater social connection, support and develop local community spaces where people can come together to create opportunities and improve access to activities.

Prince William poses with football coaches and players during a visit as The Royal Foundation launches a new community impact partnership with Street Soccer Scotland at Leith Community Centre. Getty Images

Melanie Waters OBE from The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “It is a privilege to work closely with the local community in Leith to co-create innovative new ways of ensuring their local community space can thrive and grow.

“It is inspiring that organisations with different missions and expertise are coming together, forming a unique collective to create such a vibrant hub shaped by the people who will use it – a place for connection, creativity, and opportunity.

“These partnerships are an integral part of The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact programme, mobilising unique coalitions, side by side with local communities as they boost vital community spaces, foster a stronger sense of belonging where people live and build opportunities for people and places to thrive.”

David Duke MBE, founder and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland said “Working with The Royal Foundation provides a unique opportunity to champion and further vital work supporting the community in Leith. Community spaces are needed now more than ever and can be a lifeline for people of all ages. ‘Leith United’ will offer a space where local people can belong, build friendships, access services and feel part of the area where they live.”

“It is really special to be back in Leith where the Street Soccer Scotland journey began, helping people to find support through the power of football.”