His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge today visited the England women’s team at St George’s Park for the first time since the state-of the-art facilities opened in October 2012.
The Royal President of the FA left the side of two-week old Princess Charlotte for the day in order to visit the Lionesses – who have been enjoying a 10-day training camp at the national football centre – to see how their preparations for next month’s World Cup in Canada are shaping up.
Prince William was given a guided tour of the facilities by Chairman David Sheepshanks CBE and managing director Julie Harrington, before being introduced to head coach Mark Sampson and captain Steph Houghton who introduced him individually to the 23 players flying to Canada on May 25th.
Other highlights of the trip for the future King included a demonstration from striker Jodie Taylor of a state-of-the-art anti-gravity treadmill in the Perform gym, as well as a meeting between England’s most capped player Fara Williams and head of the charity Homeless FA, Gareth Parker.
After signing his name on the wall of the football centre and posing for photographs with the squad and backroom staff, His Royal Highness was presented with a tiny England shirt for his new daughter.
Following his visit, Prince William said:
“As President of The FA, I am delighted that women’s football has become such a central part of our daily work across the country.
“The senior England team are the pinnacle of this and I am sure all football fans will join me in hoping they do well over the coming days.
“Having had the chance to meet the squad and having followed their progress in qualifying, I know they are determined to do their very best at the finals. And I believe their involvement will inspire more girls up and down the country to get involved in the game.”
England captain Steph Houghton shared her thoughts on the historic day for the national team stating:
“It was a day we will all remember for a long time.
“It is fantastic to know Prince William is behind our World Cup campaign.
“I was really nervous beforehand but he was lovely. He knew all about the team and our qualifying campaign.
“You could sense the excitement and the buzz in the dressing room beforehand. All the girls were really excited, and really proud to know the future king will be following us in Canada.”
