The Prince of Wales visited Leith Community Centre today to highlight the power of community-led change, as The Royal Foundation announced a new partnership with Street Soccer Scotland through its ongoing Community Impact Programme.
This partnership will launch ‘Leith United,’ a local coalition working to revitalise community spaces and foster social connection for vulnerable communities in Edinburgh. By bringing together Leith Community Centre, YMCA Edinburgh, and Street Soccer Scotland, this initiative will strengthen local wellbeing and create a blueprint for sustainable social impact that communities across the UK can replicate.
With support from The Royal Foundation, ‘Leith United’ will enhance existing sports-based initiatives at Leith Community Centre, using the power of football to support individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, and isolation—ensuring they feel part of a welcoming and inclusive community.
Melanie Waters OBE, Executive Director of Programmes, The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “These partnerships are an integral part of The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact programme, mobilising unique coalitions, side by side with local communities as they boost vital community spaces, foster a stronger sense of belonging where people live and build opportunities for people and places to thrive.”
David Duke MBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “Working with The Royal Foundation provides a unique opportunity to champion and further vital work supporting the community in Leith. Community spaces are needed now more than ever and can be a lifeline for people of all ages. ‘Leith United’ will offer a space where local people can belong, build friendships, access services, and feel part of the area where they live.”
Mike Kerracher, CEO of YMCA Edinburgh, emphasised the importance of community spaces: “This partnership marks a big step in strengthening the scaffolding of support around individuals and families—through tailored services, and a wide range of activities and groups that reflect and respond to the interests of the brilliant, diverse community that is Leith.”
Catherine Shea, Trustee of Leith Community Centre said “Leith Community Centre is a busy, much-loved centre which a range of people from Leith love using to come together. We have a real variety of classes that run here from Kung-fu to art and archaeology, from language classes to badminton, roller ball and flamenco. This collaboration with other organisations will bring new ideas, connections and support especially for much-needed work with young people locally. We are excited about the possibilities ahead for ‘Leith United’ building on the impactful work Leith Community Centre has been leading for more than two decades at the heart of the community.”
As part of The Royal Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening social connection, additional support has been secured to further enhance ‘Leith United.’ This includes an in-kind donation of football equipment from Mitre, the official ball supplier for the FA and football governing bodies globally, to help sustain sports-based initiatives at Leith Community Centre.
By pooling expertise and resources, ‘Leith United’ aims to set a framework for sustainable funding, ensuring long-term impact for local communities while serving as a model for future coalitions across the UK.
