Pupils at St Aidan's Primary School in Blackburn will get the chance to rub shoulders with royalty on Friday when Prince William comes to see the highly-successful football FA Tesco Skills Programme in action.

The Prince is visiting the school in his capacity as President of The Football Association, and has a particular interest in The FA's grassroots football and community work.

He will join in with skills drills and mini games involving pupils of all ages, under the expert supervision of the FA Skills coaches. The Prince will also be given an insight into the broader lessons of teamwork, interaction and motivation delivered through the programme.

FA Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking will be joining Prince William in Lancashire and said: "The Skills Programme is all about getting boys and girls enthused through positive encouragement and allowing them to express themselves with a ball.

“It's not about becoming a world-beater, it's about fun and improving your skills, whatever your level."

St. Aidan's head teacher Laura Pooles added: "Everyone is unbelievably excited about Prince William's visit. The pupils love playing football and to be able to meet a member of the Royal Family and show off their skills is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“In our experience, The FA Tesco Skills Programme has had a very positive effect on the general levels of motivation and self-esteem."

The FA Tesco Skills Programme, co-ordinated by The FA and jointly funded by Tesco and the National Sports Foundation, forms a central pillar of The FA's coaching and player development strategy. Since its launch last July, over 340,000 boys and girls aged between 5-11 have taken part in skills sessions up and down the country, with the target of 1 million participants by summer 2010.

Courses will be running up and down the country. If you are interested in attending, or wish to join the club to learn skills online, visit TheFA.com/Skills for more details.