Prince William lets slip to Edinburgh locals Louis' support for five teams
During an unexpected solo trip to Scotland, Prince William revealed that young Prince Louis already cheers for five football teams - and he entertained the idea of Scottish national footballer John McGinn joining him on a future visit.
While in Leith on Wednesday to launch a collaboration with a Scottish football charity, the Prince of Wales took part in a training session led by Street Soccer Scotland. This initiative will receive backing from his Royal Foundation, which is set to support various programmes at the charity's facility close to Edinburgh through its Community Impact Project.
Additionally, this financial aid from the foundation will contribute to the creation of Leith United – a partnership between the Leith Community Centre and YMCA Edinburgh.
Prince William engaged with ten year old YMCA attendee Shaniah Gilgun and was briefed on her and other children's efforts to enhance housing conditions locally. However, sport became the topic of conversation following William's sighting of an Aston Villa poster.
The Aston Villa-adoring prince, who often watches matches with his firstborn Prince George, mused to Shaniah: "Maybe I should bring John McGinn... might have to wait till he retires - we'll put it in the pipeline," reports the Scottish Daily Express.
With laughter, he continued: "He promised me he would come up and show me around."
Furthermore, when querying youngsters about their favourite football squads during his visit to the community centre, William divulged that his youngest child Louis is a fan of "five different teams now". Shaniah later reflected on the praise she received from William regarding her campaign to improve housing.
Shaniah revealed that the partnership was confirmed when Prince William mentioned John McGinn, saying, "He said it was a really good thing and that we should keep doing it and only good will come out of it," and she agreed, "When he mentioned John McGinn, I said, 'That's a deal'."
This week wasn't just about Royal engagements for Prince William; King Charles also had a chance encounter with David Beckham at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday, May 19. The pair exchanged pleasantries and even teased a potential joint project.
During their visit to the exhibition, Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by the former Manchester United star and gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh at the Highgrove Shop display, where sales contribute to The King's Foundation. Beckham, who has been an ambassador for the foundation for a year, was delighted to see the royals.
Street Soccer Scotland, established by David Duke in Leith in 2009, has since expanded to offer free football-themed training and personal development programmes across Scotland. The charity aims to tackle issues such as poor mental health, addiction, homelessness, and social isolation.
With the help of a Royal Foundation grant, Street Soccer Scotland plans to refurbish Leith Community Centre, bolster sports initiatives, extend community outreach efforts, and hire an impact manager for three years to oversee grassroots leaders and foster local partnerships.
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