Kensington Palace shares new update as future king backs football initiative supporting disadvantaged youth
Just hours after hosting a major event at Buckingham Palace alongside Catherine, Prince William made an unannounced trip to Scotland to support a new charitable mission, Kensington Palace confirmed.
The Prince of Wales visited Leith on Wednesday, where he met with David Duke, founder of Street Soccer Scotland, to discuss a newly launched initiative aimed at helping socially disadvantaged adults and children in the area. The project, known as Leith United, is being supported by The Royal Foundation as part of its Community Impact Programme.
William, a passionate football fan and President of the Football Association, helped spotlight how the sport is being used as a tool for positive change. During the visit, he toured Leith Community Centre and learned how the Foundation’s funding will help revitalise the space through regular football sessions and outreach.
“At Leith Community Centre, the beautiful game is being used to tackle some of society’s toughest challenges,” said the official Palace statement. “Street Soccer Scotland is joining forces with local partners through Leith United, a new social enterprise launched with support from The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact Programme.”
The statement added, “From facing homelessness to finding hope on the pitch, these football sessions are changing lives and building stronger, more connected communities.”
A video from the visit showed William kicking a ball with locals—suited up but clearly enjoying the game. The outing aligns with the broader Community Goals set by the Prince and Princess of Wales, focused on empowering underserved communities through practical, grassroots support.
