Young Imps fans received a royal surprise when taking part in a football tournament - a meeting with the Prince of Wales.
Youngsters from St Peter at Gowts and Bishop King primary schools were invited to represent Lincoln City in the event held to mark the 10th anniversary of St George’s Park.
St George’s Park is the home of all the England national football teams with Prince William watching on in his role as Football Association president.
Charlotte Hickerton, headteacher at St Peter at Gowts, said: “It was a special moment for some of our pupils to not only play football at the home of England, but to meet the manager and our next king. It is a day they will never forget.
“With the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother, this will particularly help their understanding of current affairs and the role the monarchy plays in this.
“Our thanks to Lincoln City Foundation for providing us this money-can’t-buy opportunity for our pupils, which adds to wide range of work they already do with the school.”
Foundation staff also bumped into England manager Gareth Southgate and had a chance to discuss the upcoming World Cup.
Jessica Ballard, a manager at the Foundation, added: “It was a great day for all the young people who got to take part in the tournament - and was totally worth the early start!
“They would never have dreamt of playing football in front of Prince William, and there was a very sweet moment when one of our players was hit in the face by the ball and the prince took the time out to check she was ok.
“We were delighted to be part of the 10th anniversary celebrations for St George’s Park and use our role as the charitable arm of Lincoln City Football Club and use that special position to keep giving back to our local communities in the area.”
For more information about how the Foundation can work with your school email enquiries@lincolncityfoundation.co.uk.
