Royal Watch News

Prince William to open training centre

Oct 1, 2012, 15:02 GMT

Prince William and Duchess Catherine

Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will officially open the Football Association (FA)'s new training complex next week.

Prince William and his wife Catherine - who was known as Kate Middleton prior to their nuptials last year - will visit the state-of-the-art St. George's Park site in Burton, Staffordshire next Tuesday (09.10.12), with a host of other specially-invited guests in attendance.

FA Chairman David Bernstein said: 'The opening of St. George's Park is truly a momentous occasion in the history of The FA. Next year we will celebrate The FA's 150th anniversary, and this moment will be recorded as significant as any that has gone before us in the last 149 years.

'We are particularly delighted that both the duke and duchess can join us to open this facility.'

As they tour the complex, which will eventually play host to all 24 representative England teams, the royal couple will meet England women's senior team manager Hope Powell and some members of her squad.

William - who is honorary president of the FA and a big fan of Premier League side Aston Villa - and Catherine will then meet England manager Roy Hodgson and his squad as they begin preparations for a World Cup qualifying game against San Marino on October 12.