Prince William shows off his ball skills during a kickabout in Shanghai

William toured Shanghai on his third day in China and watched a kickabout

Chatted to coaches and students and showed them his own ball skills

The Prince is an Aston Villa fan and is president of the English FA

Also came face to face with a portrait of the Queen at a Shanghai trade fair

Visits Jinghong today, where he will discuss conservation measures

He's Aston Villa's most famous fan and the president of the England FA to boot so when Prince William was offered the chance of a kickabout in Shanghai, he was quick to take up the offer.

The Prince was visiting the Nanyang High School and was invited to watch local children being taught football skills by British coaches.

Watched by the excited children, William teed up a penalty and, after taking it, beamed as an excited child rushed up to give him a high five.

Football is about to become part of the national curriculum in China, and the British Council runs a scheme called Premier Skills which fosters a passion for the game.

The Prince was shown around by Paul Hughes, 33, a former coach at Reading FC, Millwall and Southampton, who now travels the world passing on his experience to local coaches under the British Council scheme.

'The Duke told the children that if they keep on working hard hopefully one day they might play in the Premier League,' explained Hughes afterwards.

'He asked them if they knew who David Beckham was, and said that if they got involved in football then one day they might meet him.

'The Duke was interested in how football helps build confidence, self esteem and promotes good health, and how the game is going to become a big focal point in schools here.'

The kickabout came on the third day of William's state visit to China, the first time a senior royal has visited the country since the Queen in 1986.

 William got a warm welcome from President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People

 William was treated to a flamboyant display from local dancers when he arrived last night

    During his tour of the event, William came across a familiar face - a photo of the Queen

    The festival is a government-inspired scheme designed to boost Britain's trade with China

    The event is designed to showcase British creativity in technology and healthcare among others

   William was introduced to British businessmen at the GREAT Festival of Creativity

 Premier Skills sends British coaches to China to pass on their skills to local children

 William, seen here with the children, is a keen football fan and supports Aston Villa

     Round of applause: The Duke got a cheer as he arrived at the training field