Latest news with #LeithUnited
Edinburgh Live
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Prince William lets slip to Edinburgh locals Louis' support for five teams
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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.
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Prince William: Duke's Aston Villa fan moment and lipreading - the day the Royal came to Leith
The Duke was in Edinburgh to visit Leith Community Centre Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It was not a present the Duke of Rothesay may have expected to receive at an event dubbed 'Leith United'. But when ten-year-old Leith schoolgirl Shania Gilgan presented him with a homemade shield with his beloved Aston Villa Football Club's name on it, he hoped he had found a kindred spirit. The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, plays football during a visit to Leith Community Centre in Edinburgh. Picture: Chris Jackson/PA Wire | PA 'Are you a Villa fan?' he asked hopefully. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'No,' said Shania, who supports Celtic and Hibs. 'It's because you are.' The Duke was at Leith Community Centre in Kirkgate, where he met service users, from Flamenco dancers to football players, as The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales announced a new collaboration with Street Soccer Scotland. The initiative aims to foster health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen social connections through football, as well as boost funding for the community centre itself. The venue runs a range of activities for the local community from art classes, to dance workshops and a YMCA branch. The project is part of The Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme, which aims to provide lasting impact and legacy in the communities visited by the royal couple - and provide a blueprint for similar funding models to be used across the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Word had got around as the royal was due to arrive and dozens lined the pedestrianised street outside the centre. Cheers broke out as William walked up the steps, waving to passers by. Shania, who, with friends from YMCA Edinburgh, is working on a campaign to reduce dog fouling in her block of flats, said the Duke had told her her work was 'going really well'. 'He said I should keep on going with it,' she said. 'I told him I'd like to meet him again.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prince William, Prince of Wales laughs as he plays football during a visit as The Royal Foundation launches a new community impact partnership with Street Soccer Scotland at Leith Community Centre | Getty Images Gay Ellvers, who attends an art class at the centre, was told by the Duke that her work was 'impressive' and that she should sell it. Ms Ellvers, who is deaf, said she had been happy she was able to have a conversation with the Royal. 'I'm a good lipreader, but I was worried I wouldn't be able to lip read the prince,' she said. 'But he spoke very well.' Davey Martin, who also is part of the art group with his wife Eileen, said he was impressed by the Duke. 'He seems like a very nice guy,' he said. 'I've met the Queen before, but not him. He's wearing trainers and he's a lot more modern, less formal.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, receives an Aston Villa artwork as he speaks with Shania Gilgan at the Edinburgh YMCA's Youth Forum during a visit to Leith Community Centre, Edinburgh. | PA Street Soccer Scotland origins Originating in Leith in 2009, Street Soccer Scotland has been delivering free football-themed training and personal development programmes for socially disadvantaged adults and young people across Scotland. As part of the new partnership, The Royal Foundation is providing funding for Street Soccer Scotland that will support efforts to revitalise Leith Community Centre. This new coalition between the centre and partners, including YMCA Edinburgh, aims to set a framework for sustainable funding for community spaces and initiatives that other communities can utilise and learn from. John MacMillan, who has been attending the centre to play football for a number of years, said it had helped him move out of homelessness and isolation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think he was quite interested in how I got to where I am,' he said. 'Being here is really good for me, for my mental and physical health.' Mr MacMillan, who is almost 60, now has a home, feels less isolated and is studying a course at Edinburgh Napier University. Gay Ellvers, with a painting of her son, Jamie. | Jane Bradley 'It's good to have a mix of people here of different ages,' he said. 'I hope the funding will help it become even more community based. It's a really good thing for the community.' David Duke, founder and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland and Homewards Advocate, said: 'Community spaces are needed now more than ever and can be a lifeline for people of all ages. 'Leith United' will offera space where local people can belong, build friendships, access services and feel part of the area where they live.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
