King Charles visited Tottenham Hotspur‘s stadium to spotlight the club’s extensive community outreach and its partnership with the National Football League.
The visit underscored the stadium’s multifaceted role, not only as a top sports venue but also as a hub for local engagement and international events.
During his tour, the King engaged with various community groups and local businesses that have benefited from collaborations with Tottenham Hotspur. He met students from the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, a state-funded sixth form located on the stadium campus, which prioritises local students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Additionally, he interacted with young individuals supported by The King’s Trust, the youth charity he founded in 1976.
A highlight of the visit was King Charles trying his hand at American football. Under the guidance of Efe Obada, a British NFL player currently with the Washington Commanders, and Phoebe Schecter, an NFL global ambassador for flag football, the King attempted a pass.
Although his throw fell short of the target, Obada praised the Monarch’s enthusiasm, stating, “I loved his energy, the fact that he came in here willing to get stuck in. His technique was immense. I wanted him to get a hoop, in the target, but he was just having a good time. We talked about the NFL and he’s a fan. He’s going to watch the games.”
At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, His Majesty The King celebrated the positive charitable work being done within the local community, in partnership with @SpursOfficial and the @NFLUKIRE #KingCharles #royalfamily #royalcameraman pic.twitter.com/4yYLYvOIF5
— Duncan Stone (@DuncanCStone) February 12, 2025
Prior to getting stuck in, His Majesty watched a demonstration by young people involved in The Huddle Project, a joint initiative launched in 2023 by Tottenham Hotspur, the NFL and Nike. The sport programme for boys and girls aged 11-18, increases access to free football and NFL Flag game.
The King also met with Tottenham Hotspur’s men’s team captain, Heung-Min Son, inquiring about the team’s current performance. Son candidly responded about the team’s challenges, to which the King offered words of encouragement.
The King asked Son: ‘How is the team doing at the moment’, to which the Captain replied: ‘Difficult moments, but working hard’.
In a light-hearted moment, Gina Moffatt, a local entrepreneur who transformed her life with assistance from The King’s Trust, remarked to the King, “We’ve got Beyoncé coming but you’re bigger than Beyoncé”, making reference to the singer’s scheduled performances at the stadium in June.
The visit concluded with the King being presented with a replica of Tottenham’s historic golden cockerel statue and an American football from Super Bowl LIX, commemorating his engagement with both the club and the NFL.
The visit from King Charles to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium highlighted the significant impact of sports partnerships on community development and the strengthening of international ties.
