A schoolboy says it was an honour to meet the Queen and present her with a football shirt from his local club.

Nine-year-old Suhail Kassamali handed Her Majesty a Belmont United Youth Football Club shirt at yesterday’s Royal visit to Krishna Avanti School in Camrose Avenue, Edgware.

Suhail, who studies at Stanburn Junior School and Stanmore Kumon Study Centre, said: "It was such an honour to meet The Queen and to present her with her own Belmont football shirt. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity."

“She seemed really pleased with her gift and we even saw it taken into one of her cars so hopefully she will take it back to the palace.”

His Royal Highness asked Belmont’s coach, Moe Kassamali about the club and its sponsors Stanmore Kumon Study Centre.

Explaining after the event Suhail’s father, Mr Kassamali, said: “At Belmont we instil the belief in all our players that football is not just a sport, it is an education and they are developing important skills that they will also use off the pitch.

“There are so many parallels between Kumon and football including the importance of regular practice and the development of self-motivation and concentration. We both aim to nurture confident children who can contribute to the Harrow community.

“I am so happy that my son can benefit from both disciplines. His Royal Highness said we were doing excellent work, which was wonderful to hear.”