The World’s biggest charity match returns to Old Trafford – tickets go on sale today.

• The match will take place on Sunday 11^th June at Old Trafford, Manchester
• A family of four (two adults, two children) can attend for £60
• Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £75 million for UNICEF since 2006
• Tickets for the game are on sale now via www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets

More than 74,000 fans will roar Soccer Aid for UNICEF back to Manchester United’s Old Trafford on Sunday 11th June. Lionesses’ Euro 2022 winner, and Queen of The Jungle, Jill Scott will captain England – the first time a female player has skippered England in the world’s biggest charity football game.

Jill Scott said: “The Euros, The Jungle and now Soccer Aid for UNICEF – it’s the holy trinity! I’ve won two of them, so just need Soccer Aid now to complete ‘The Treble’! I think of all three, this might be the one I’m most nervous about, though – just look at the names involved! Buy a ticket, support this amazing cause and cheer us on!”

The Three Lions have not won a Soccer Aid for UNICEF match since 2018. In an effort to win back the trophy, England have unveiled one of their strongest-ever line-ups. Today, 25 names were revealed – six of which are making their debuts. More names are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Jill Scott will play alongside fellow debutants including former Lioness Karen Carney, Chelsea’s Champions League winning defender Gary Cahill and Arsenal’s two-time FA Cup winning midfielder, Jack Wilshere. Recently retired Premier League star striker Jermain Defoe is also back and will provide England with firepower!

Jack Wilshere said: “I am really looking forward to lacing up my boots again – and playing with some of my old friends. I can’t tell you how good these legends are and I’m told a few of the celebrities are quite handy too! As a father to young children, taking part in this game has extra significance for me – and I would urge people to buy tickets and show their support too.”

England’s ranks are boosted further by three more new additions chart-topping DJ Joel Corry, and Manchester-based rapper and actor Bugzy Malone. Paddy McGuinness returns to the game – and will play in goal for the first-time ever as England’s designated celebrity goalkeeper.

The last Soccer Aid for UNICEF match at Old Trafford, with fans, was in 2018 – coincidentally, the last time England lifted the trophy! Old Trafford also played host to the behind-closed-doors game in COVID-affected 2020.

Many more famous faces are set to be revealed in the coming weeks but those announced today for the Soccer Aid World XI FC are, in full: Usain Bolt (Captain) Robbie Keane (Coach), Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett and Kem Cetinay.

For England, in full: Emma Hayes (Co-Manager), Vicky McClure (Co-Manager), Jill Scott (Captain), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), Jermain Defoe, Joel Corry, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Jack Wilshere, Bugzy Malone, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Eni Aluko and Chunkz.

Bugzy Malone said: “Manchester – I’m coming home! Can’t believe Soccer Aid for UNICEF is in my hometown this summer – big vibes. I’m going to smash it but will need everyone to come out if we’re to beat Bolt! This might be a football match on the day – but the legacy we are creating for the world’s children is so much deeper. It’s massive.”

Joel Corry said: “I’ve played some big gigs in my time – but this is going to be up there. I know the atmosphere at Old Trafford is going to be electric. Everyone I’ve spoken to has told me what a great day it is and of course the fans are a huge part of that. Playing at Old Trafford will be a dream come true and I hope as many of you as possible can come along and support.”

The live show on ITV1, STV and ITVX will be hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined once again by Alex Scott, UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter.

Since 2006 – when UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams co-founded the concept – Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £75 million to help give children all over the world a childhood full of play. Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2022, at the London Stadium, raised a record-breaking £15 million.

UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams said: “I’m so proud that Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £75 million since we started it 17-years-ago. It’s an incredible achievement that will help UNICEF ensure children around the world get the best start in life. But we can’t stop there! Right now, childhoods are being turned upside down by conflict and crisis. We’d like as many people as possible to buy a ticket to this year’s star-studded match and help protect play for every child. Thank you so much for your support.”

This year, there has never been a more challenging time for children. Right now, they are facing war, disasters, and other crises in countries around the world. When children lose their homes, their families, and their schools, they lose out on happy, healthy, play-filled childhoods. Just when they need that safe space and moment of escape the most, it’s gone.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF is working hard to give children around the world the care-free, play filled childhoods they deserve. The money raised from this year’s game could help UNICEF fight malnutrition, keep children safe in times of crisis, and get them back to school. It could also help provide vaccines against preventable diseases such as polio, so all children can grow up happy, healthy and able to play. Together we’re protecting play for every child.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF is delighted to welcome back returning Principal Partners Puma and Primark, with further thanks to Official Partners EA Sports and STATSports. Announcements on further exciting partnerships will be made in due course.

Kenneth Shepherd, Executive Director, Soccer Aid Productions, said: “We are delighted that Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023 will take place at Old Trafford, this June. The match promises to be one of our best ever thanks to an incredible talent line-up. I would also like to thank our Principal Partners – Puma and Primark and our Official Partners – EA Sports and STATSports, the support and generosity of which is invaluable in allowing us to raise important funds for UNICEF. I would also like to thank our longest-ever serving partner Manchester United and the Manchester United Foundation. Their support – from Richard Arnold to John Shiels – remains incredible.”

Tickets for the game are on sale now via www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets with a family of four able to attend for just £60 – two adults and two children.

With thanks to Soccer Aid Productions

Usain Bolt, Gary Neville & Paul Scholes also sign-up to play as Micah Richards joins the England coaching team and Alex Scott debuts as touch-line reporter

• Tickets for the game are on sale now via www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets with a family of four able to attend for £60 – two adults and two children
• The world’s biggest charity football match will take place on Saturday 4th September 2021 – the first time the game has taken place on a Saturday
• The game will take place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium – the first time the match has been played there
• The match will be broadcast live and exclusively on ITV and STV over an England Internationals weekend
• This is the tenth Soccer Aid for UNICEF match in its 15-year history – further news on anniversary celebrations to mark the milestone will follow
• Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £47m for UNICEF since its first match in 2006 with a record breaking £9.3m raised in 2020 alone
• The money raised this year could help UNICEF deliver 2 billion Covid-19 vaccines around the world and help children get back to school, beat malnutrition and get the healthcare they need both today and long after the crisis is over. It’s us against Covid for every child, everywhere

Wayne Rooney poses in a Soccer Aid for UNICEF football kit.
Photographed by Daniel Hambury for Unicef UK and Soccer Aid Productions.
©UNICEF/Soccer Aid

Wayne Rooney is coming out of retirement to play for England again. The Three Lions’ all-time record goal scorer managed the England side in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2020 but is once again taking to the pitch as a player – this September.

Rooney will be joined by Fara Williams, Micah Richards, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes who were also today announced as taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2021 – the first time they have been part of the world’s biggest celebrity-charity football match. Sprint king Usain Bolt is also back for what will be his third appearance in the game.

The England vs. Soccer Aid World XI FC clash is the tenth-ever. A family of four can attend the anniversary game for £60. This year, for the very first time, the match takes place on a Saturday (4th September) and will be played at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium – also a first.

Wayne Rooney, who scored 53 goals for England, said: “Pulling on an England shirt is always special, so I’m absolutely delighted to be doing that again in Soccer Aid for UNICEF this September. Managing the England team last year was great but being around the players made me want to lace up the boots again – now I’ve got that chance, one last time. Soccer Aid for UNICEF has been a massive force for good since it started back in 2006 and I know the public will support us again this year by purchasing tickets, which are now on sale.”

Dermot O’Leary returns to host the live show on ITV, with England legend Alex Scott charged with getting all the gossip from the touch-line, as she makes her Soccer Aid for UNICEF presenting debut alongside him.

Alex Scott said: “I’m so excited for this! I’ve wanted to be involved in Soccer Aid for UNICEF for many years, so I am delighted to be part of it now as pitch-side reporter. For years I’ve watched the games and it’s something that I know loads of people look forward to. It’ll be great to be back in a stadium with fans again – and all for such a great cause. With so many great names already signed-up – and many more to come – there’s no excuse not to get your tickets now!”

Alex Scott poses in a Soccer Aid for UNICEF t-shirt.
©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures

The line-up is further strengthened by a number of other football stars including: Kelly Smith, Roberto Carlos, Patrice Evra, David James, Ashley Cole, Emile Heskey and Jamie Redknapp. Harry Redknapp returns as Manager of the Soccer Aid World XI FC, while Micah Richards joins the England coaching team with David Seaman as goalkeeping coach.

Gary Neville said: “Just when I thought my days of being booed by City fans had passed! I’m hoping that my hamstrings hold out for more than five minutes, to be honest. Also, I need to get through the next few months without Micah Richards sounding-off in my ear too much! All joking aside, we’re all playing for a hugely important cause – UNICEF. Their work is as important now as it has ever been, so please buy a ticket and come along – it will be great fun.”

Micah Richards said: “Usain Bolt running at Gary Neville? Rooney out of retirement? Me making my coaching debut. What more do you want?! This is going to be so good! I can’t wait to see all the lads run out at The Etihad for such a great cause. The line-up is looking really strong and let me tell you – there are even more surprises to come!”

Other star names announced today include: James Arthur, Tom Grennan, Olly Murs, Mark Wright, Paddy McGuinness, Ore Oduba, Kem Cetinay, Liv Cooke, Roman Kemp, Chunkz and Maya Jama as a pundit.

UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid for UNICEF Presenter, Dermot O’Leary, said: “The game is going to be incredible this year. We’ve got a massive line-up, and we’re back-off-up-to-Manchester, albeit at a shiny new stadium, with some shiny new players to match! Whoever you support, England or the Soccer Aid World XI FC, it’s going to be one hell of a night at the Etihad Stadium. The money we raise really will make a huge difference to children’s lives everywhere.

Source: Daniel Hambury ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures

Fara Williams poses in a Soccer Aid for UNICEF football kit 
©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures

“I’ve been so lucky to see some of the work made possible by Soccer Aid for UNICEF over the years. Having recently become a UNICEF UK Ambassador myself, I know how much your money and your support can help children in really tough situations be able to just be children again. Getting through this last year or so has been tough for all of us, but the Covid crisis is making life for children in the world’s poorest countries even harder. So, let’s bring play back!”

Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, said: “We at ITV are proud to be broadcasting the world’s biggest charity football match to help raise money and awareness for UNICEF to do their vital work for children around the globe, especially at this difficult time. To kick it all off, and to celebrate the 10th Soccer Aid for UNICEF, this year there will also be some brilliant new programming for our viewers that we are really excited about in the lead up to the big match.”

Danny Wilson, Managing Director of Operations at Manchester City, said: “We are delighted to be hosting Soccer Aid for UNICEF at the Etihad Stadium for the very first time. Soccer Aid is recognised as the world’s biggest charity football match and has made a significant contribution to UNICEF’s charitable programmes since it was founded. We are proud to be playing our part to support an event with such a good cause and we look forward to an exciting matchday with a fantastic line-up of players on each team.”

Since 2006 – when UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams co-founded the concept – Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £47m to help give children all over the world a childhood full of play. As many countries celebrate coming out of lockdown, the Covid-19 crisis is still making life for many vulnerable children even tougher. Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2020, at Old Trafford, raised a record breaking £9.3m.

This year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is bringing play back. The money raised from this year’s game could help UNICEF deliver 2 billion Covid-19 vaccines to frontline healthcare workers, social workers and teachers around the world – the people children rely on – and help children get back to school, beat malnutrition, and get the healthcare they need today and long after the crisis is over. It’s us against Covid for every child, everywhere.

The Soccer Aid for UNICEF excitement does not stop with the football. This year there will be a full Soccer Aid for UNICEF week across ITV and STV in the lead up to the match, featuring new shows, special takeovers and great prizes to be won. With its biggest-ever goal of going up against Covid for children, everywhere, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has never been bigger. Further announcements will be made across ITV, STV and Soccer Aid for UNICEF social media channels.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF is delighted to welcome back our returning principal partners Primark, JD and PUMA with more details on these exciting partnerships to follow.

Tickets for the game are on sale now via www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets with a family of four able to attend for £60 – two adults and two children.

Courtesy of Soccer Aid for UNICEF