Sir Trevor Brooking has paid tribute to Prince William after The FA President put his tracksuit on and got a first-hand experience of the Hat-Trick project in Newcastle.

Having watched as the Prince took to the field with Primary School children at the West Gate Community Centre, Sir Trevor said he believed Prince William demonstrated all the hallmarks of a top quality coach as he captivated the children involved in the scheme.

"He shows all the qualities of a good coach," Sir Trevor admitted. "We might have to get him in on the coaching courses and see how he enjoys that.

"Coaching is all about communication, Prince William has chatted with the youngsters comfortably here and that is one of the keys of a good coach. I'm sure he hasn't got the time to take the courses right now, but in the future we could perhaps get him on the way with coaching education if it were something he was interested in learning more about.

"Purely from a participation point of view it's hugely important that we catch children at a young age and give them a good standard of coaching. If you speak to any sport scientist they will tell you that between the age of five and eleven is the peak time for learning and absorbing skills, and any parent whose child is involved in football will know that their enthusiasm at that age is massive.

"In Mark Oliver, the Hat-Trick officer, we have a fantastic lad with great communication skills and that really helps in getting the kids involved."

With a member of the Royal family taking to the football pitch with primary school children, Sir Trevor believes that the power of football has been demonstrated powerfully in a five-a-side tournament in Newcastle.

"After a while I don't think the youngsters quite realised they were playing with someone from the Royal family. I think that's part of his communication that he relaxes everyone in his company, and hopefully long-term in his role with The FA he can be involved in a lot more grassroots projects.

"Football has always been about everyone taking part and enjoying themselves, you can have a session here with someone from the Royal family but as soon as the football starts everyone involved forgets that and enjoys playing.

"The team he was playing with in the tournament, just before their match they had a little bonding session and got in a huddle. The youngsters were all chatting away, it was a bit of fun for them and they didn't seem like they were waiting for Prince William to speak. It epitomises what we are trying to do; no matter where you come from, when you get out on the football pitch everyone is equal. That's the key."