PRINCE William praised the “immaculate grass” of AFC Bournemouth’s pitch as his royal visit moved onto the Vitality Stadium.
Teamed up with entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett, the heir to the throne visited the stadium to discuss with players, as well as Dorset business leaders, homelessness.
The Prince of Wales told players Lloyd Kelly and Katie Scadding he “must come here for a football day” before hearing how the club supports those at risk of homelessness in the area.
The Premier League club has committed to extending this work, called Bounce Back, over the next five years as part of the Prince's Homewards project in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Launched in 2022, the scheme supports disadvantaged and vulnerable adults in achieving independent living through classroom lessons and practical activities.
William then went to a conference room to meet various business leaders, including Bournemouth Town Centre BID’s Paul Kinvig and people from Sunseeker, Bournemouth and Poole College among others.
At the roundtable meeting, William and the businesses discussed ways in which the business sector could tackle homelessness and the support they can offer through the Homewards programme.
He told the group that they have a “great business hub where so many other parts of the country don’t do this”.
He also praised them, saying that he hopes to see the work the group does be replicated across the country to “tackle the homeless issue”.
Kelly Ansell, director of housing at BCP Council, said: “We are very proud to be part of the homeless programme.
“It is great to see His Royal Highness coming along and recognising the strength of what is happening here already.”
Steven Bartlett said he was “unbelievably inspired by the talent” on a visit to a prison showing his podcast and wanted to get the talent into a workforce.
“We are leaving a huge amount of talent off the field and there is a huge amount of intention, from me, the Prince and businesses, to get that talent into the workforce,” he added.
“But there is clearly something in the way and that is what I wanted to understand – I've been hearing about recruitment issues, upskilling, self-esteem, confidence and funding.”
Amanda Berry, chief executive of The Royal Foundation, said: “We are excited to see how today’s announcements inspire action across our Homewards locations and beyond over the next five years.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel