Prince William to host Buckingham Palace's first-ever football match to mark FA's 150th anniversary

The Duke arranged game between two of England's oldest amateur clubs

Williams is president of the FA and game will beheld in October



Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC, both based in west London, will play

Prince William will host a football match at Buckingham Palace as part of The Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations.

The Duke of Cambridge, president of The FA, helped arrange the game between two of England's oldest amateur clubs in the gardens of the famous landmark - marking its first ever official football game.

Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC, both based in Chiswick, west London, are preparing to go head to head in the unique Southern Amateur League fixture at the palace on Monday October 7.

Original idea: Prince William, president of the FA, helped arrange the football match at Buckingham Palace

The Duke of Cambridge, president of The FA, helped arrange the game between two of England's oldest amateur clubs in the gardens of the famous landmark - marking its first ever official football match

The Queen gave her permission for the match and Wembley groundsman Tony Stones will work with the royal household gardeners to create a pitch in the 40 acre garden.

William will host the event and also present medals to 150 grassroots volunteers in recognition of their dedication to the sport. The match is being held in tribute to their commitment.

The recipients were chosen for their outstanding contribution to football including helping to develop the women's game, providing opportunities for disabled players and refereeing.

William praised the 400,000 volunteers every year who help run local matches.

The Duke said: 'In our 150th year, it is hugely important for The FA to honour 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.



Driving force: Prince William, seen here with David Cameron and David Beckham, will host the event and also present medals to 150 grassroots volunteers in recognition of their dedication to the sport.

'Inviting 150 of these volunteers to Buckingham Palace provides a fitting way for The FA to pay tribute and give thanks.'

Greg Dyke, chairman of The FA, said: 'These volunteers are the heartbeat of football. Without them, the game simply wouldn't function at a grassroots level and it is only right that The FA honours their tireless and selfless work.

'We are delighted that, in his role as president of The FA, HRH The Duke of Cambridge has given his support to this initiative - even going as far as arranging for the first ever game of football to be played at Buckingham Palace in honour of our grassroots heroes.'

Civil Service FC is the sole surviving club from the 11 clubs who founded The FA in the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen Street in London in 1863 and later drafted the 13 original laws of association football. Polytechnic FC was formed in 1875.



