Prince William traveled to Leith in Scotland to unveil a new partnership with a local football team, marking the most recent stage of an ambitious project to transform community spaces across the UK.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are rolling out an ambitious project to transform community spaces across the UK, using a mixture of grants and donating personal time from their Royal Foundation. William and Kate have identified several locations around the country which will benefit from financial backing and the creation of new task forces which will benefit from expert advice and guidance from their team.
The aim is to create a network of businesses to invest in local projects to upgrade local facilities from community hubs to sports centres, which will be announced in the coming months. William formally announced a new partnership with a regional football team that was referred to as a “blueprint for the future” during today’s program launch in Leith.
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Street Soccer Scotland – founded by former professional footballer David Duke – delivers free football-themed training and personal development programmes for socially disadvantaged adults and young people across Scotland. The coalition aims to use the power of football to support people experiencing issues such as poor mental health, addiction, homelessness and isolation, fostering a sense of belonging for the most vulnerable in the Leith community.
Mr Duke turned his life around after becoming homeless 20 years ago for three years, following issues with depression after the death of his father in 2001. He is currently the CEO of William’s Homelessness Foundation, which launched an ambitious project to end homelessness in the UK in 2023. He is also the head of the soccer program.
The Royal Foundation has provided funding to help the charity revitalize its existing community center and develop a new “sustainable social impact” vision. Upon arrival at Leith Community Centre, a ward in Edinburgh, William heard how the organisation has delivered free football-themed training and personal development programmes for socially disadvantaged adults and young people across Scotland since 2009.
The organisation has to date helped more than 25, 000 people going through their own struggles, such as addiction, homelessness, mental health and poverty. Williams was treated to flamenco dancing in football drills and heard about how young people are implementing change in their communities.
The prince was disappointed when the goalie saved his first shot, but he didn’t need any encouragement to try a penalty shoot-out. But William managed to kick the ball into the net on his second attempt, prompting loud cheers. As he raised his hands in agreement with the team behind him, he turned to the other team and said, “That’s it, I’m done now.”
The prince also stopped to talk with some of the Leith-area’s street soccer players, some of whom have gone through homelessness, and heard how the new partnership will help socially disadvantaged adults and young people.
The Royal Foundation will announce a range of partnerships across England, Scotland, and Wales in the coming months, which will form the umbrella of its new social enterprise.
Building on their expertise from initiatives like Kate’s work in the development of young children and William’s environmental Earthshot Prize Awards and homelessness project, Homewards, Kensington Palace said the couple will use their “convening superpower” to unite communities.
Leith Community Centre will continue to be a vital part of the community, run by local volunteers and staff, offering a home to a variety of diverse activities, including language, dance and art classes, history groups, martial arts, and a variety of youth clubs and family crafts.
William and Kate met families at Aros Hall, a beloved community space on Mull, one of two places on Mull to receive a grant from The Royal Foundation Community Impact Programme, while they were on a trip there last month. Aros Hall is being renovated to give residents of all ages new opportunities to come together and participate in activities that promote their health and wellbeing as a result of the grant.
A royal source said: “Today in Leith, we saw the Prince doubling down on his promise to deliver impact to communities up and down the country. His goal is to leave a lasting impression in the communities he visits.
” The Prince and Princess are committed to delivering a modern and fresh approach. The Prince has discussed royal with a small r, and it believes more than ever that is being seen today.
The crusade for William is one of the pillars of his public duty, having seen firsthand the benefits of access to grassroots football during his presidency and patronage of the Football Association. Mr Duke said: “We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the Royal Foundation, which has already opened so many doors for us.
“On this project, Prince William has been super passionate, engaging and really wants to use his position as a force for good to help the local community.
I’ve personally witnessed how much of his voice travels when I collaborate with him on both his homelessness project and Street Soccer. He brings bags loads of enthusiasm to the table and it really is infectious. Leith’s project will be a true blueprint for the future, not just in Scotland but all over the UK.
“It was great to have William here today. The area has undergone some significant changes over the past few decades, and there are definitely places that need some love. However, the locals are decent and genuinely committed to the community. The prince’s visit shows everyone that people do care”.
Leith United will be a collaboration between local businesses, the Leith Community Centre, and YMCA Edinburgh as part of the center’s revitalization.
In a statement, Kensington Palace said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales want to support the people in places with the potential to revive communities where it’s needed most, celebrating and championing the most inspiring, boldest and bravest individuals across our four nations who are determined to build a better life for themselves, each other, their communities and society, and who by doing so, inspire others to take action in their local area too.
Community spaces are increasingly important for promoting local well-being and resilience. With the intention of serving as a model for innovative practices in partnerships and community asset management that can be applied to other communities across the UK, Leith United hopes to establish a framework for sustainable funding that other communities can utilise and learn from.
David added:” Working with The Royal Foundation provides a unique opportunity to champion and further vital work supporting the community in Leith. More than ever, community spaces are essential, and they can provide a lifeline for people of all ages. Local residents will be able to feel a part of the community where they live by allowing them to belong, form friendships, access services, and feel welcome.
“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”.
Source: Mirror
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