Buckingham Palace garden is to be turned into a football pitch for a special anniversary match.
Prince William has arranged for a one-off fixture to take place in the palace grounds between two of England’s oldest amateur clubs as part of the Football Association’s anniversary celebrations.
William, who is president of the FA, said: ”In our 150th year, it is hugely important for The FA to honor the efforts of the many thousands of volunteers who week in, week out, help to provide the opportunity for millions more people to enjoy football at grassroots level.
”Inviting 150 of these volunteers to Buckingham Palace provides a fitting way for The FA to pay tribute and give thanks.”
Wembley stadium manager Tony Stones has teamed up with the palace gardens manager Mark Lane to create the pitch after the Queen gave her permission for Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC, based in west London, to play on the specially created grounds.
Mark is quoted by the Express newspaper as saying: ”When I first heard about it I thought it was quite an exciting prospect, this is something we’ve never hosted before.
”There’s been a boxing match back in the mid-1950s but a football match is quite a unique opportunity to use the garden for a different event.”
The Duke of Cambridge will dish out medals during the event, while the Queen will not be present as she will still be at her Balmoral estate in Scotland.
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Buckingham Palace turns into football pitch
Buckingham Palace garden is to be turned into a football pitch for a special anniversary match to honor the efforts of volunteers who help to provide people with the opportunity to play football.