Prince William Sees Favorite Soccer Team at Aston Villa Football Club’s Training Facilities

• Prince William visited Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training complex.
• He was chosen President-Designate of The Football Association in 2005.
• He met with CEO, Head Coach his coaching staff, and the players.

Prince William is cheering on his favourite football team.

The Prince of Wales, 40, arrived to Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training complex on Thursday to meet with various members of the England football squad.

The prince was chosen President-Designate of The Football Association, England’s regulatory body of the sport, in 2005 and has been a supporter of the Aston Villa football team since his undergraduate days.

During his most recent visit, he met with CEO Christian Purslow, Head Coach Unai Emery, his coaching staff, and the men’s first-team players. In another photo released on the football club’s website, William can be seen standing in a circle with the men while giving a thumbs-up.

The prince also met with Villa Ladies Manager Carla Ward and members of the club’s academy, which includes players aged 16 to 19.

The team’s next game is against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

The prince’s passion in sports extends back to his childhood.

“I just thought it was really fun,” he said in a November conservation with England teammates Harry Kane and Declan Rice. That led me on to wanting to play more football. The sheer size and scale and just the fun of everyone running around chasing each other.”

Despite his zeal, he was given the duty of a defender “stuck at the back and told to tackle and ‘don’t put him near the front.’ ”

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“I played more football than I watched when I was younger,” added William. “The playing was much more important. I have switched now because I’m getting older.”

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