Elspeth A. Lodge

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, spoke to children today at the launch of a new project—Coach Core — which aims to train the next generation of sports coaches. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Sang Tan.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, helped to launch the Coach Core sports project at Bacon’s College in London today, in honor of the London 2012 Olympic Games (which open tomorrow).

Photo Credit: AP

The royal trio had a grand time playing sports with the children and future sports coaches present: Kate, who has  shown off her athletic skills in public before— playing field hockey at London’s Olympic park when she met Team GB— admirably tried her hand at table tennis; the Duke kicked around with dozens of schoolchildren on the football pitch, and in his speech joked that “the expression giraffe on ice springs to mind”; and Prince Harry, famous for his love of sports and children, found himself on a basketball court.

The new initiative, which aims to train 16 to 19-year-olds to become the next generation of sports coaches for schools and communities, is being supported by the The Royal Foundation in partnership with Greenhouse, reports UKPA.

William gave a speech during the visit, in which he highlighted the importance of sports: “Over the next month, the eyes of the world will be on Great Britain,” he said. “For us to hold the Olympic and the Paralympic Games here in London is a great moment for our nation, which itself is steeped in sporting history.”

“Watching me on the football field is never a pretty sight – the expression giraffe on ice springs to mind. However, it is marginally less embarrassing than seeing my brother cheat his way to becoming the fastest man on the planet. Catherine, on the other hand, with a tennis racket or a hockey stick is something to behold and be aware of.”

“But what all three of us have in common is that we love sport. And not just playing it, but for what it does for people young and old. It builds confidence, engenders mutual respect and responsibility, and teaches us about the value of team work. That’s why Catherine, Harry and I are so excited about Coach Core, this brilliant programme developed by the Greenhouse Charity in partnership with our foundation.”

Watch video of the event by the Royal Channel:

Meanwhile, Prince Charles and Camilla were in Tottenham, to greet the Olympic torch, before it arrives at Buckingham Palace today.

Charles and Camilla watched Torchbearer Scott Moorhouse (Paralympic javelin thrower) exchange the Olympic flame with Jay Kamiraz. Photo Credit: Getty.