SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF PRESS PACK
STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01AM TUESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2021
CONTENTS: PRESS RELEASE PLAYER INTERVIEWS HOST AND PUNDIT INTERVIEWS PRESS CONTACTS
James Arthur, Yungblud, Tom Grennan, Micah Richards, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes to star in September Soccer Aid for UNICEF with Alex Scott set for presenting debut
Bolt, Murs, McGuinness, Wright and the Redknapps also sign-up as Manchester City host first-ever Saturday night match – and Wayne Rooney is out of retirement too!
• 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 • 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
James Arthur, Yungblud, Tom Grennan, Fara Williams, Micah Richards, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2021 – the first time they have been part of the world’s biggest celebrity-charity football match.
They will be joined by Wayne Rooney who is coming out of retirement to play for England again. The Three Lions’ all-time record goal scorer managed the England side in 2020 but is once again taking to the pitch as a player.
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.
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 (4thSeptember) and will be played at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium – also a first.
Returning stars include: Usain Bolt, Olly Murs, Mark Wright, Paddy McGuinness, Ore Oduba, Kem Cetinay, Liv Cooke, Roman Kemp, Chunkz and Maya Jama as a pundit.
The line-up is further strengthened by a number of football stars including: Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Kelly Smith, Roberto Carlos, Patrice Evra, David James, 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.
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!”
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!”
Wayne Rooney 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.”
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.
“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. ENDS
PLAYER INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEWS CONTAINED IN THE PRESS PACK: • James Arthur • Olly Murs • Kem Cetinay • Tom Grennan • Gary Neville • Chunkz • Fara Williams • Roman Kemp • Sir Mo Farah • Joel Dommett • Aitch
HOST AND PUNDIT INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEWS CONTAINED IN THE PRESS PACK: • Alex Scott • Dermot O’Leary • Maya Jama
IF QUOTES ARE USED, PLEASE ISSUE THE FOLLOWING CREDIT: • Soccer Aid for UNICEF is taking place on Saturday 4th September 2021 at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester and will be broadcast live on ITV and STV. The money raised from this year’s game could help UNICEF deliver 2 billion vaccines worldwide, get kids back to school, beat malnutrition, and get the healthcare they need today and long after the crisis is over. All donations will be matched by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), meaning double the difference for children. Donate now at socceraid.org.uk/donate
JAMES ARTHUR
STARTS
How did you get involved this year? I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been pushing to be part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF for a few years. I know some of the guys that work on the production team as I play five-a-side with them as well as some of the other lads too, so I put the feelers out to get involved.
I was meant to play a couple of years ago, but injured my knee and had to pull out. I’d done all the promo for it so it was really heartbreaking. After that I’m more excited than ever to be involved this year as it feels like I’ve had such a big build up to it.
So, you’re going into it this year knowing what it takes to be in condition, it’s a big pitch and not what you’re used to playing on with 5-a-side games. Do you feel confident? I do because I’ve been working a lot on my running and conditioning. I’ve actually signed up for a lot of other charity football matches around the country too just to get that 11-a-side match fitness.
Did you play a lot of football when you were younger? I did yes, I spent my entire childhood playing football. I was outside every day kicking a ball around.
Any particular position or were you a utility player? I’m definitely more of a forward, as I’ve got older I’ve lost a bit of pace so I like to think of myself as a Harry Kane type of player. Dropping in deep, picking up the ball and having shots from outside the box.
Obviously as a vocalist off the pitch, that’s your career. What are you like on the pitch, do you talk to your team-mates a lot? I’m pretty communicative, I like to link up the play, positionally I think I’m quite intelligent. I try to get positivity going on the pitch, I think I keep the comms going - it’s really important.
Explain to us where you are from a competition perspective, are you really competitive? I am ultra-competitive! In everything I do. I’m not like horrible, not like a bad winner or anything but I want to win. If I’m pulling on an England shirt representing my country, I’m definitely going to give it my best.
And try and reverse the fortunes of the last few years? Yes - exactly! It’s been a bad couple of years for the England Soccer Aid team hasn’t it!
With that in mind, have you been practicing penalties? Obviously, you’ll be wanting to win in open play but just in case. I do have a couple of goals in my back garden, I do a bit of ball work then I finish off with a few penalties so I hope I’ll be able to step up if it comes to it.
What are you looking forward to most? The camaraderie with the team and experiencing what it’s like to walk out onto a pitch and represent England. I know it’s not exactly like the real thing but it’s as close as a singer can get. I think speaking to footballers I’ve previously met, it feels like the roles are synonymous in a way - they want to be us and we want to be them. It’s a really amazing opportunity to actually feel what that’s like, to play with legends like Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Emile Heskey, I’m looking forward to that. I’m told the days leading up the game is fun as well, a good laugh. It’s really exciting that we’ll be training and preparing for the game together.
Idols - who are you thinking about swapping shirts with or looking forward to tapping up for knowledge? Wow, I mean you’ve pretty much got the era of England players that were so dominant in the Premier League - like Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Emile Heskey, Jamie Redknapp. These are all guys who have been there and done it at the highest stage, it would be good to impress them. It will be really interesting to get their insight into a game of football.
You’ve played in front of unbelievable crowds, but this last year has been very difficult. When did you last perform in front of a crowd? I came off tour in March 2020, we were literally the last concert to be performed in the UK full stop. It was a rescheduled Tuesday night show at Leeds First Direct Arena. It was weird, it felt like an apocalypse and we literally squeezed the gig in. It’s been over a year since I’ve performed to the crowds that I’m used to, it’s all been over Zoom and Instagram Lives which has been a great way to stay connected but it just isn’t the same. I’m really looking forward to playing in front of a crowd.
Do you think you’ll be nervous on the day? Oh yeah absolutely. It’s a world away from my comfort zone. I know the adrenaline will hit, the lactic acid, when the ball comes to you you’ll be overthinking it. All the basic stuff will go out the window, I think any game that I’ve ever been involved in when there’s any pressure - obviously nothing on this scale – but it takes 10 - 15 minutes to settle into the game and get a touch. From what I’ve heard from some of the lads involved, the nerves are sky high when you walk out onto the pitch, I suppose you’ve just got to try and soak it up and stay in the moment.
You’re used to people judging your songwriting and performing, but this is completely different putting yourself out there on a football pitch. Totally, this is a very different arena. I’m totally used to putting myself out there singing and playing the guitar, I’ve never been judged for my football skills though and it’s live on the TV so you don’t want to mess up do you?
Ultimately, I would like the team to win and it’s for a great cause raising vital funds. I’m talking a lot about the pressure and the nerves but ultimately when you break it down it’s nothing but positives - the whole thing - it’s an amazing thing.
Train Wreck went gold which is incredible. What would mean more a gold disc or the Soccer Aid for UNICEF winner’s medal? That’s tough! To score a goal for England, I’d give you back some of my platinum singles. That would be magic.
ENDS
OLLY MURS
STARTS
An incredible £9.3million was raised from last year’s event, how proud were you to captain team England and play a huge part in helping raise this extraordinary amount of money? So proud. It’s always a proud moment when you’re asked to come back to play at Soccer Aid for UNICEF, I don’t take that for granted. It is lovely to be invited back and to be a part of it. To then hear that we raised over £9million last year is awesome. That money really makes a huge difference.
What needs to change in order for England to win this year? It was a really tight game last year and to be fair the Soccer Aid World XI players did brilliantly. As a squad we need to be better and we need to work harder, making better decisions as a team. We were unlucky it came down to penalties but I thought everyone tried their best and gave it everything. We all gave it 100% and you can’t ask for more than that, so we go again - and this time we win.
You were Captain again last year, what is your leadership style? How do you motivate the team? I like to keep everyone’s spirits high and keep people feeling positive. I always explain that this is fun so let’s enjoy it, work hard and win. I like to make sure everybody is feeling good. Which is what I try to do in my own life too. If there is anybody that is nervous, I just tell them - this is fine, we’ve got this. Stay positive, embrace it. What’s not to love, we’re going out to play football and raise a load of money for people who really need it.
What will be your fitness regime involve in the build-up to the event? I need to play more football. It’s been hard for everybody over the last year being stuck indoors and we haven’t been able to get out as much. But I just want to play as much football as I can, as well as keep fit generally.
You only get one game at the Etihad Stadium, so I will try to get a lot of games in as preparation so that I’m as ready as possible. Get the ball at my feet and play as regularly as I can.
You’ve said this could be your last Soccer Aid for UNICEF, is that true? I keep getting warned not to play as much football because of my knee so it will probably be my last Soccer Aid, so I have to go out with a bang. No pressure on the England team but I have to win this year!
In the long term, I want to continue my music career and performing. I love dancing on stage and moving around to put on a show and the worry is, if my knee isn’t up to scratch, I won’t be able to do that anymore. The way I am as a performer is that I like to entertain people and having a bad knee or needing to have a knee replacement isn’t something I want to have anytime soon. Sadly, that might mean I can’t keep playing football.
I can never say never, but the likelihood is it will be the last.
Maybe you could come back on the management side? Maybe, we’ll see. The thing about me is that I get asked to do things like this and every time I think “one more time”. So who knows, maybe I will be back playing in 2022.
After the loss against the Soccer Aid World XI, will you suggest that Lee Mack is taken off penalty duty? Could be third time lucky… I’m sure Lee has been practicing hard. When it gets to penalties it comes down to which players want to take it and Lee put himself forward so credit where credit is due, he didn’t have to do that.
Obviously straight after the game I was devastated that we lost and annoyed but at the same time you go into the dressing room and realise you’ve raised a lot of money and everybody has tried their best. Everyone gave it everything and at the end of the day, this isn’t our day jobs. Everyone wanted to win that game. We came out second best on the day but I can only applaud people for stepping up to take a penalty. I’m proud of Lee for stepping up.
Would you be confident if this year’s event went to another penalty shootout? The thing is, when you get to the penalty shootout, only the celebs can take them so it is pot luck. As celebs we aren’t used to playing football on such a big occasion in front of huge crowds and under that pressure. It’s a different situation and pressure to that of singing or performing in front of an audience. We’re not used to the environment so it really is pot luck and last year credit to the rest of the World XIs, they were just a better team and deserved to win.
The fans are set to return to the stadium this year. How much have you missed having an audience and performing in front of a crowd? I’ve really missed it. It’s still a novelty just seeing people in the same room, but having a crowd in the stadium again will be massive for all of us. As non-footballers we want to experience what the Etihad is like with a crowd in it. Obviously, as a Manchester United fan, I have to say “not that the crowd is ever that loud”, but to be in front of fans in the stadium will be awesome. Football and performing are similar in that the fans create the atmosphere and we’ve experienced that over the last year, it just hasn’t been the same, so to be back out there whether that’s singing and performing or playing football, it’s going to be a great year. I’m excited.
For a second consecutive year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is raising money to help win the fight against Covid-19 to help children everywhere, how important is it that people donate? It’s so important. There are so many people out there in the world that need our help. UNICEF have been at the forefront of helping these kids and families. I’ve seen it first hand when I went to Kenya to see UNICEF’s work. I really hope that we can continue to raise, and maybe even beat, the figures raised last year. I’ve really seen first-hand the effects that the money has on the kids and their families who receive the funding, and it is lifechanging. I really hope that, for them, we have a successful
year.
Everyone that watches the show has been incredibly generous over the years and I just hope people keep getting involved and keep donating.
Which songs will be playing in the changing room to hype you up before you head on to the pitch? James Arthur and Tom Grennan are in the team this year so maybe some of their music. We’ll have to see who is on the DJ box this year. Last year we had a load of soul music. It was David James who got on the decks and he played some of his favourite tunes so we had the old disco tunes which was fun.
You’re a Manchester United fan – how will it feel walking out at the Etihad? It is going to be hard but I’m doing this for a fantastic cause. Maybe I’ll have my United kit on underneath! I have performed there before and it is still an amazing stadium. I’ll enjoy playing football there but I’ll make sure I’ve got my United kit.
Wayne Rooney is a huge Manchester United icon – how did it feel working with him last year? Amazing. All of us were shocked. I’ve met Wayne a few times before but to have him on the pitch coaching and helping us was just unreal. Being around him was pretty special and unique.
What is your favourite World Cup song? The Farm - All Together Now. ENDS
KEM CETINAY
STARTS
Your goal in 2019 has gone down in Soccer Aid for UNICEF history. How many times have you watched it back? I couldn't put a number on it, I'll be honest with you it would be impossible to put a number on it! I would say on average 6 to 8 times a month I'm not going to lie, best moment of my life so why would I not? I've got it on camera I've got it in multiple different angles, it's the best!
Was beating John Terry the highlight? Honestly, the John Terry part wasn't even the best part, it's just the fact that I scored was the best part, it was amazing. But obviously everyone made a big deal out of it being John Terry. It is a bit mad as well because he is one of England's best defenders. The celebration was just happiness! I was so happy I didn't know what to do.
Including penalties, you've bagged three goals in your Soccer Aid for UNICEF career, how confident are you that you’ll score again?
Look, three goals including penalties in two years is an unbelievable record for me. I hope to get a goal every year, that's the plan. I set myself high targets – I want to get a goal a year.
Are you looking forward to playing in front of fans again at the Etihad this year? Yeah, it doesn't even matter where it is, playing in front of that many fans, that many people, kids, families, parents is the most surreal feeling. Walking out and everyone screaming, but obviously the Etihad is a mad stadium! I've never actually been there myself but I can't wait. Honestly the feeling is like no other, you can't buy that feeling.
You've done a lot of live TV which must be nerve-wracking but how does it compare to playing in front of thousands of fans? I just remember walking out onto the pitch and I wasn't even starting, just walking out and there being that many people there was very strange. When you actually step out onto a stadium pitch when the whole thing is full – it is very weird.
Then after a couple of minutes, you just got to enjoy it. We're not pros, we've just got to enjoy the moment. I feel like everyone thrives off of the crowd. It is a very family orientated crowd and the pros are there to calm you down. There's no point getting nervous about it.
Are you hoping to start this year? Maybe a start this year, but I quite like being the underdog coming on. Who knows?
Who did you strike up a friendship with last year? Last year I got really close with Darren Fletcher. Darren Fletcher was the guy, man! He brought everyone under his wing, especially me, I was injured as well and he was really helping me out. A lot of the pros are like that, they take everyone under their wing and help them out.
Soccer Aid World XI FC have won back-to-back penalty shootouts, who's the pressure on this year? I'll be honest, I'm unbeaten. I'm two in two, every time I've been in a game I've won. I do feel nervous this year and I know the England team are very, very good but it's all about morale, I have high morale in the changing rooms, so I hope we can bring it home again. It's all for a great cause so it doesn't matter who wins, but it also does matter who wins!
I hear you're a little bit responsible for getting Tom Grennan involved and now he's signed is there any thought about being a football agent? Yeah, I am thinking about being a football agent! I did bring Tom into Soccer Aid. I'm his new representative so any clubs that are interested in Tom they will have to get in touch! He's a very, very good player from what I've heard so I'm looking forward to him joining the team. Tom's a good guy and I'm really glad he's a part of it because he's a really good player as well, he's a top boy. Apparently, he played for Luton many years ago, so he must be good.
How important is it that all children are safe, healthy and have the freedom to play? I think a lot of us take it for granted including me. Before doing Soccer Aid for UNICEF, you think it is normal for us all to play in our childhood and do the things that we class as normal
– but I think doing this has made us realise that sadly isn’t the case for everyone around the world.
People don't have that privilege to do things that are so simple for us and it's good that we can all be a part of it and raise so much money every year to help. It's going to be my third year now and to be able to say that I have been a part of raising so much money is incredible.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF raised over £9 million last year – you must have been really proud to be part of that. I've done it two years now so it's nearly 20 million they've raised in two years and even to be a very small part of that is an incredible feeling. We're only playing a game of football and asking people to watch and donate what they can so the fact that it raises that much money is mad. That's why it's not all about the game and who wins it's about everyone taking part and pushing it as much as they can.
Why is it so important for people to donate this year with UNICEF helping to fight against coronavirus? I think it is important to donate. It's a great show that they get to watch, they get to watch a fun couple of hours of TV with some of their favourite people on it. If everyone who watched was able to put a little bit aside to donate the impact that would have is incredible, you can see in the videos that Soccer Aid for UNICEF release that what they use the money for is really helping children, everywhere.
Who are you most looking forward to playing with and against? Playing with Usain is good man, he's so tall and he's got so much personality it's a bit surreal. I do love playing with him. I have only played with him once and I'm excited to play with him again but I'm definitely looking forward to playing against Wayne Rooney, he's my childhood hero so the fact that he's playing is mad!
You've got quite a lot of the old United boys in there, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, do you reckon you'll get anywhere near Scholesy? I'll be honest, Scholesy scares me a little bit. I'll probably keep my distance from Scholesy until he says the first word, I don't want to upset him.
One last thing, if England were to win, what do you think they need to do? England have a very good team this year, so I think it's going to be tight but I don't know we'll have to see. I don't like to talk too much about the other team.
ENDS
TOM GRENNAN
STARTS
You're taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF, tell me how you feel. I am so excited, I can't believe it. This has been a dream of mine – not going to lie! I used to play a lot of football and obviously I've gone into music now, so all my friends have been like: ‘you've got to get on Soccer Aid, you've got to get on Soccer Aid’ and now I'm doing it which is pretty surreal. I'm very honoured to be a part of it and I can't believe I've been asked to be honest, it's pretty amazing.
Did Kem put in a good word for you and is he acting as your football agent? I've heard this yeah! I'll give it to him, I did say to him have a word with someone. To be honest everyone I've known who's involved I’ve said ‘put a word in for me’! Loraine Kelly did too!
How do you think it will feel when you're walking out to play for the first time? I'm going to feel like a kid again I think, I feel like the dreams of being a footballer will be alive for that day, I can't wait and the child in me is very excited right now.
Do you think you'll be nervous? Yeah, of course! I'm nervous even with all the preparation we’ve been doing but I feel like I'm just going to take it in my stride and try to be me all the way through it and that's all it will be, it's going to be fun and this is for charity, but I do want to win.
You're obviously used to playing in front of lots of people so how do you think it will different playing football in front of fans? It's going to be crazy. I've always dreamt of walking out of the tunnel and seeing thousands of people while playing football. It's going to be pretty mad and I can't wait, it's going to be crazy.
On that note, have you not played any gigs for a while? I haven't played any since the pandemic started so it’ll be so nice for people to go to an event again and feel that sense of freedom and feel that sense of belonging.
For you, in terms of playing to a big crowd are you looking forward to being in front of a lot of people again? Yeah definitely I'm buzzing, that's why I do it. I like to make people happy so it's going to be good, it's going to be a good day. Having a crowd makes so much difference, you can really pick up on the atmosphere which helps the adrenaline kick in.
How do you think that experience of playing semi-pro will help you? I think for me I haven't been in that football atmosphere for ages, so it's going to be good to go back. It's going to remind me of what it used to be like for me. I'm just going to take it as I would like a gig, just got to go in there, be me, try and get close to Harry Redknapp so he plays me!
On that note about Harry, is there anyone you are particularly really excited about playing with? Paul Scholes, Paul Scholes is the man, my hero!
So, Paul Scholes, have you met him before? How are you going to feel? No, it's crazy to think I’m going to be meeting Paul Scholes let alone playing against him. That’s the mad thing about Soccer Aid for UNICEF, you get to play football with people who you grew up watching, it's just amazing these are my heroes. I’m a big United fan so footballers to me are superheroes, they've got special powers I never thought I'd be this close to them so it's cool!
On that as well, you're a big United fan and it's obviously happening at the Etihad Stadium, how do you feel about that? It's an amazing stadium, do you know what I mean, I've never played on a pitch like that so it's going to be great. It would have been better at Old Trafford but this opportunity is something I can't believe I'm involved in. As I said I can't believe it, I just can't, so I think the United / City rivalry will be forgotten for the day and we’ll all enjoy playing at this incredible ground.
How big a part of your life is football? I watch it every weekend really and try to keep up to date with as much as I can. It's a release for me, you forget about everything else that's going on and you're just in the game, you're lost in it for a while which is good, focusing on winning, doing your best and playing with your mates. It’s all about teamwork which I love.
Have you been doing anything specific in terms of training? I train quite a bit, not football but I'm at the gym quite a bit for sure so I'm fit as a fiddle at the moment! Good luck to the person who's marking me!
Will you be doing anything additional for this? I might have to get back doing some football skills, dust the cobwebs off the boots.
Do you take a football on tour with you or anything like that? Yeah I take a football everywhere, there's one in the back of my car now, I always have a football. I get bored quickly so I always like to have a football, and it opens conversations with people you don't know just kick a football at someone and hopefully they kick it back! It's that cliché thing: football has no language.
A little bit about UNICEF, why is it more important than ever for people to donate this year to raise money to support UNICEF and help win the fight against Covid? It's so important to donate this year, all of our lives have been impacted by Covid, people have struggled massively and kids haven't been able to get on with their normal childhood whether that's doing activities, youth centres and food and drink and everything that involves being a kid and growing up. It's important this year to donate because funds have been low for everybody and for the people who are less fortunate than we are this is a vital time to give back.
What songs will be playing in the changing room to hype you up before you head out onto the pitch? Probably a Stone Roses tune! I love the Stone Roses. I always used to have them on in the car on the way to school.
If you could choose any musical artist from any era, who would you have in your dream 5-a-side team? I would have someone like Liam Gallagher, a madman, he's a bit of a Roy Keane so I'd have him.
ENDS
GARY NEVILLE
STARTS
Tell us what you love about football, what does playing the game mean to you? I loved playing football, I think it helped me that I was at a football club that I adored and I was completely committed. But I think all my life, for every kid growing up it’s a dream, it’s something that you look forward to every day and it’s one of the things that even now in my life when I think of a big football game coming up, or a tournament coming up with England, it touches so many people’s lives. It breaks down barriers, it makes people happy, it releases people from the daily grind of going to work, it’s that sort of thing at the end of the week that everyone believes in. That passion, that debate, that rivalry. It’s a very special thing.
Football is one of the most important things in this country and in the world. I know we say football’s not important but it is important, we shouldn’t underplay its importance and I think we’ve seen that in the pandemic, how important football has been.
Watching football on television has been a saviour in some ways for so many. It’s enabled them to get through long dark winter nights that we were locked down in, not for everybody but for a lot, it made a big difference.
What do you remember about playing sport with your siblings, when you were little? Do you remember that time and what do you like about it? When I think about growing up and playing football, I think about playing with Phil and with friends and I just remember it having to have that competitive element to it. I think when you’re a kid and you say ‘it’s not important to win it’s important to take part’, you never really feel that when you’re playing. You always have to score a goal, save a goal, win a match. And there’s a competitive element where you want to be the best, where you want to win a game. I mean me and Phil to be fair on a one on one in the garden wasn’t making great viewing but it was competitive, I can assure you of that.
You mentioned how much you love football? What does it mean to you to play in the upcoming game for Soccer Aid for UNICEF? This is all about raising money for UNICEF, let’s be really clear! There is no other good bit of Gary Neville playing football. If you watched me play, it was a struggle at the age of 36 and
I’m now 46! I have done it a couple of times over the last 10 years and it’s always for causes like this.
The work UNICEF does around the world is off the scale. It was one of the great partners of Manchester United when I was there, we used to have a dinner every single year. It’s the 10th year of Soccer Aid and partnership with UNICEF who do incredible work, much needed work that isn’t delivered by a government, it’s delivered by this amazing charity. And that is a huge positive that makes it worthwhile for me to come and play. The work that has been done over the years with Soccer Aid and UNICEF is fantastic.
I’ve always watched it but never thought I wanted to play in it. I finally got persuaded because it meant I could play in a team with Rooney and Scholes again and this hopefully means I’m on the winning team.
We hope to have fans back in the stadium as well, what does that mean for football having fans back and for the Manchester economy, having fans back in stadiums? We need fans back in stadiums but we need guests in restaurants, we need shopping centres full, we need cities activated but football stadiums without fans, honestly … I know the crowd noises made up the experience at home, watching with the crowd noises you didn’t quite feel how it was in the stadium. But if you’re in the stadium like I have been and you see the players on the pitch … and sometimes I looked across to Martin (Tyler) before the game and there’s no atmosphere and it’s so quiet, you do feel for the players.
You never say that on the television because there is a pandemic and a global crisis going on but you watch the players playing in front of no crowds and you think ‘how have they done that every three days for six months? ‘It’s not easy because the fans bring everything to a football match, they bring everything to a player, you live off them, the buzz of the crowd, the adrenaline.
People say, ‘what motivates you to play football as a professional?’ You’re not going out on that pitch thinking about how much money you earn, you’re not going out on that pitch thinking about other things in your life, it’s the fans that make you feel like you’re in that special environment and to have them back in, well it needs to happen quickly.
Moving on to games at the Etihad, what are your memories of playing there and what are your best memories of playing against Manchester City in general? Do you know something, the last time I played at the Etihad was the day I kissed Paul Scholes! I’m not sure that was a good experience or a bad experience!
That was one of my last games for the club. I probably only played about four or five matches after that for the club. Scoring in the last few minutes, Patrice crosses it, Scholes heads it in and I go running off down the touchline, so that’s my lasting memory. I’ve had some bad ones since, I was in the ground when Aguero scored the last-minute goal to win the league for City, which was just desperate.
But my memories from the Etihad were good because the couple of times I played there I think we won, so yeah I had good memories. The Scholes kiss is something he’ll never forget!
Like you, Paul Scholes is new to Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year, tell us a little bit about him as a football player and why should people come and watch him play for England? We play 5 a-side once a month behind the scenes, no one watches it and he’s incredible. If he gets himself half fit then honestly, he’ll put on an absolute show. His passing is a joke, obviously people knew that from when he was playing but he can still do it now. It’s almost like when he gets the ball I almost know still from when I’ve played games with him, where he’s going to go next with it and I can make my runs. The problem is my runs don’t get there anymore which is a problem for me! But he’s a brilliant player and the fans on the day will see that.
Wayne Rooney as well, manager last year, is playing this year. Can you tell us about him as a footballer, what was he like to play with at Man United? I played with Gazza in 96’ who was the best English talent of a generation, Wayne Rooney was the next. I think you could probably go to Phil Foden now, that natural ability that is a different level in terms of anything you’ve ever seen in terms of skill and ability.
Wayne Rooney was somebody I played with for his first tournament with England in 2004, then went on to play with him at United. Fearless, street player, always went out onto the pitch and did his absolute best, every single game from the very first minute to the last. He was the best attacker in the team, he was the best passer in the team at times, he was the best defender. I would call him fearless and fearsome as a football player but a brilliant footballer as well. Obviously, his goal record for England and United are the best.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF has a few penalty shootouts, celebrities only take penalties, what would your advice be to a celebrity taking a penalty? Don’t listen to me. If they want advice on how to take a penalty then I would actually go and advise that they speak to Wayne Rooney or Paul Scholes and stay away from me.
How many penalties have you taken in your career? I’ve never taken one. I’ve never taken one in my career. Am I allowed to take one? If we get a penalty, is that the deal of me being part of this game that I can take the penalty! Even if I score it’s a win and if we don’t score it’s a win because I’ll get the mickey taken out of me.
Where do Man United need to strengthen to challenge for the title, what specific positions? They definitely need a centre back to go with Harry Maguire. Although I think the back four has done well, I think the defence has done well but they’re at an absolute maximum where they are.
I think Aaron Wan-Bissaka is improving weekly and is getting better. I think if Luke Shaw can stay fit he’s the best and always has been in terms of talent. With Harry Maguire they’ve got someone who is incredibly reliable and can lead the team, I just think that another centre
back comes in and completes that back four. It’s a risk because I think Maguire and Lindelof work really well but it’s a risk you have to take to get to the next level. If you look at Dias, Van Dijk, Harry Maguire they’re kingpins in the centre of defence but they all have good partners as well, and I think United need another one in there.
Upfront is an issue. Over the last few years we’ve never had a fixed right winger, I think left’s okay with Marcus Rashford. You could argue is Mason Greenwood a right winger? That’s the question is he a right winger or is he a centre forward? If he’s a centre forward in the long term, Manchester United need a right winger. If Mason Greenwood is a right winger, they need a centre forward.
Does Mason Greenwood become a first team regular next season? Yes Mason Greenwood will be a first team regular next season but that’s not to say he’ll play every single match, you still have to look after a 19, 20 year-old but he’s an exceptional talent. The reason I think Manchester United have to ask the Mason Greenwood question of where he’s going to play, it then tells them where they have to recruit because what you can’t do is buy a player in front of him that stops his development. He has to be able to develop because he is your £100 million player, only if you develop him well.
If you think he’s a right winger, United sign Haaland or Kane. If United think Mason Greenwood’s a centre forward, they sign Sancho or a right winger. If they really got carried away and they need to make a plea to the fans they go and sign both but then it could be halting the development of Greenwood and Rashford and other players like Van De Beek who have got to come through and Martial. So I think that’s the decision, what’s Mason Greenwood going to be and then you fill in around that.
ENDS
CHUNKZ
STARTS
After watching Soccer AM, you’ve got fans questioning… are you left or right footed? I couldn’t tell you the answer. Honestly sometimes I’m left footed, sometimes I’m right footed, it just depends on the day to be honest. All jokes aside I’m right footed. I can only do volleys on my left.
Despite the result, how proud were you to take part last year and to get the call up to play again this year? Last year was honestly one of my proudest moments to be on that pitch raising money for the children, there’s no better cause. Shout out to UNICEF for that and shout out to Soccer Aid for bringing me on again. I don’t think they watched my performance very clearly because they’ve invited me again but based on that I’m going to try and come back on a redemption ting and score a great goal, that’s the aim.
I can do it, last year it was the nerves for me but now Soccer Aid for UNICEF has added 50,000 fans but I’ll deal with that pressure.
You may have lost the match but you gained a tonne of new fans including Soccer Aid for UNICEF presenter, Maya Jama – have you both kept in touch? Maya Jama is a very good friend of mine. After the result I had to have a comeback which was me saying me and Maya were dating but that was all rubbish! But she’s a good friend of mine so she went along with it.
We’ve kept in good contact, we’re very good friends, we’ve worked together as well, shout out to Maya.
If this year’s match goes to another penalty shootout, will you once again step up to take one? It all depends on the day. It depends on how I’m feeling, if I’m feeling confident. If I’m going to step up, I’ll smash it! I’m not going to say where because I know the goalkeeper’s listening, there’s hella detectives round here. But it all depends on the day, if I’ve woke up right, if my feet aren’t aching. It’s all about the day, confidence is the main thing.
Also, you cannot change your mind, just hit it and welly it like Jamie Vardy, Troy Deeney and Kane – just smash it.
How badly do you want to win this match? Well, I was the reason we lost last year so I would love to win. Obviously the most important thing is raising money for UNICEF, an incredible cause but the second most important thing for me, is to win.
I’m a competitive person and I feel it’s the right level of competitiveness and I would love to win.
What was highlight from last year? The highlight from last year was Filly scoring the goal. That was a crazy moment for me as well as him. That was definitely the highlight. I remember coming off the pitch and checking social media, it was crazy. I was trending number one on twitter, there were so many posts about me playing. If you knew where I came from to be on this pitch with these legends is something I dreamed of, something I never thought would happen. I watched Soccer Aid as a kid and now being on it, sharing a pitch with legends is ridiculous.
How important is football and how does it bring people together? What football does for people is so underrated, in terms of what it can do for your mental health, the togetherness you have with friends, spending that quality time but also having bragging rights. It brings a different side to you as a person, football is more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle.
The way you celebrated with Yung Filly was brilliant as your friendship would have resonated with so many people We always spoke about imagining scoring and for him to score was crazy.
What will be your training regime in the weeks leading up to the game? What will you be looking to improve on? I’ve already spoken to my PT, you think I’m joking but I’m being deadly serious. We have been going ham in the gym since last year. I’ve been working out for the last year going
crazy. The regime changes two months before the game, it will be less weights and more about cardio and focus more on fitness. I will probably hire a football coach and do one on one training, that’s the plan. Hopefully I stay motivated. One thing I’m definitely going to stay on top of is my fitness, so whether I do the one-to-one training, I don’t know because I’m a technical player, you know what I mean! You’ve seen what I’m capable of! So, more fitness training and trying to be in great shape.
Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside and against this year? I’m playing with Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Neville, goodness gracious!
Who am I most looking forward to playing with? Paul Scholes, mixed with a bit of Gary at right back and then we’ve got Wazza, are you taking the mick? I can’t pick one, I pick all of them. All of them in a sandwich!
Micah Richards is the coach, that’s my boy, I can’t wait to see Micah!
And then I’m playing against Roberto Carlos, oh no not Roberto! I’m not gonna lie to you, if they put me out on the right wing, I’m catching a train from Manchester to London. I’m not coming up against Roberto Carlos, I’m doing nothing against him!
And then Usain Bolt, he run the world recs in 9.58 seconds! I’m not coming up against Usain Bolt, I’ll try and stay as far away from him as possible. He’s the fastest man alive!
So you think Scholesy will pick you out? Scholesy is going to pick me out anywhere, I could be in the flipping crowd and he’ll pick me out. In front of those 60,000 people, he’ll still find me.
You’ll be playing in front of fans at the Etihad – the champions of England, will this add any pressure to your game? It will add some pressure to my game but I’m here for the experience end of the day, we’re going to get stuck in, we’re going to be training hard and hopefully we’ll get the result. I could blend in as a professional footballer with this chat.
For a second consecutive year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is raising money to help win the fight against Covid-19 to help children everywhere, how proud are you to be part of this? Like I said this is the main priority for me, I’m so gassed I’ve been called up again to be part of such an amazing project. When I heard we were helping kids and protecting them against COVID, I’m there, I’m involved. This wasn’t a hard sell for me. So proud to be here and I hope we raise even more money than last year. We broke a record last year and we’re going to try and break a record this year. Shout out to UNICEF, I can’t wait, I’m so excited.
ENDS
FARA WILLIAMS
STARTS
As this is your first Soccer Aid for UNICEF appearance, how excited are you to be apart of the event? What does it mean to you and why should people support UNICEF? Firstly, very excited to have the opportunity to come and help support such a fantastic occasion. Football is hugely powerful and engages people worldwide, so it’s a very powerful thing when you marry that with UNICEF and all they've done over the years. I've watched Soccer Aid on ITV for many years and seen the amount of money they've raised in supporting children in really deprived countries its phenomenal.
Have you got a stand-out highlight from any of the previous years? Probably the Mourinho moment, when he tackled Olly Murs, that's probably the stand-out!
England have lost back-to-back penalty shootouts, do you fancy taking one if the opportunity came up? I would! The pressure to score would be there but I love taking penalties. I have taken them in high pressure games before, but I'm sure there will be loads of people fancying their chances of scoring, on ITV at the Etihad who wouldn't want to step up and take it?!
The female professionals who have taken part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF have been absolutely brilliant – do you feel under pressure to keep up those levels of performance? No added pressure, just excitement! The opportunity that females have, the way Soccer Aid for UNICEF have introduced females into it is brilliant, it shows that football is inclusive. So no pressure, just excited to play with Kelly Smith one last time!
What made you fall in love with football and what kept you motivated to reach the top level? It was my family environment; everything was football orientated and everything was done with a football! Growing up on an estate where everyone played football helped – it was inclusive and was easy to access. Once I realised what I could do with the women’s game, there was no looking back. when I was young I knew I was pretty talented, but where it could take me with the women’s game wasn’t visible. However, once I got that first England call-up it was that moment that I realised I had to put the work in if I wanted to be an international player.
You came so close to winning the Euros and the World Cup with England, do you think the Lionesses can go that one step further next year and win a major tournament? I think they can. The potential is there with the young players coming through. They’ve won at youth level which, in terms of when I was a young player, we got close but we never got over the line. With the new manager, Serena, I think the chance now is greater than it’s ever been, she’s a really good coach, she’ll be able to get the team back together. I think they’ve lost a bit of their identity recently but if she can bring that back then I think they will have a
good chance in the Euros. If not, then I think at the World Cup in two years’ time – but she’ll need time.
You’ve played for a number of top clubs and represented your country 172 times, but where did you enjoy your football the most? The national team because every player dreams of representing England and I certainly enjoyed every moment I had with England – even in the tough training camps. In moments that were tough you knew that you were putting an England shirt on at the end of the week and I think that did the most for me. I also enjoyed playing at all of my clubs for different reasons. I’ve tried to enjoy my football throughout my career and I think that’s what kept me motivated every day – doing a job that many people dream of doing.
What’s been your top career highlight? Representing England and winning the league at Liverpool. As a kid I always dreamt of winning the league because it shows that that team has been the most consistent through the year. It took me to the age of 30 to do it, so that has to be up there.
You said you were looking forward to playing with Kelly Smith again, is there anyone else you are really looking forward to playing with or against? I’ve heard some of the names that are potentially playing this year, the likes of Paul Scholes! An unbelievable midfielder! Someone said we’d both be pulling strings and I think I said he’d be pulling me along! But what an unbelievable opportunity to even be able to train or even get a couple minutes on the same pitch as him – it will be unbelievable.
And against, you’ve got Usain Bolt. I’m just staying out of his way! When he’s on the pitch I’ll just ask to play higher up because I don’t want to be put into a race with him!
ENDS
Sir Mo Farah
STARTS
You last played in 2019, are you excited to return again to play for England? Throughout my career, seeing Soccer Aid for UNICEF on ITV and the work UNICEF does is amazing to watch. To be given a chance to play in 2019 was an incredible experience and I’ll never forget it. There were so many talented players like Eric Cantona, Didier Drogba and to be given a chance to have fun with these players and secondly raise money for a good cause in UNICEF was incredible.
For me, I’m like a little kid who gets a bit of chocolate or a special treat and I can’t wait to play in September. I’m excited to be back and playing for this England team, with so many great players.
What will be your training regime in the weeks leading up to the game? What will you be looking to improve on from when you last played? I will be training for this event for sure, I need to put the work in and will be going to the park and playing with my son. I want to improve on my first touch and my skill, and just keep playing with the ball. Growing up I always wanted to be a footballer before running. I played for my local club, always wanted to make it but didn’t have the skill or the talent.
Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside and against this year? I’m a right winger, so I’ll be coming up against Roberto Carlos. I’m confident though, I just need to believe in my pace and enjoy it. I’ll make mistakes, but not like Lee Mack!
How does playing football in a stadium compare to running championships? Is it more or less pressure? Completely different nerves. It’s exciting but at the same time we’re all getting together for something important, raising as much money for UNICEF as we can - we’re making a big difference to children’s lives out there. We’re having fun but we’re also trying to get the public involved in the experience.
You’ll be playing in front of fans at the Etihad – the champions of England, will this add any pressure to your game? It’s always big pressure playing in a stadium but it’s all for a good cause. Obviously, I want to play well and have fun but the goal is to raise as much money as we can. We want to try and beat last year’s record, changing even more lives. It’s so important to give back to kids.
How important is it to have fans back in the stadium? Really important, fans are everything. When I’ve competed at the biggest events of my career, having the crowd made a massive difference and if it wasn’t for the crowd, I wouldn’t have won a second gold medal, so having them back is incredible.
The Soccer Aid World XI FC team have won back-to-back shootouts, what do you think England have to do to win this year? Would you take a penalty? I’d take one, I would love to. I’m old enough to take one, I’ll give it a go but it would be nice for us to win in 90 minutes. If Lee Mack stepped forward to take one, I’ll tell him to sit out, LEE DON’T DO IT. His penalties haven’t been great the last couple of years.
Has football always been a big part of your life? Did you play as a child? Growing up for me was all about football, there was nothing else, nothing mattered. Apart from having to go to school but in school football for me was number one. I wanted to become a footballer, but I didn’t have the skills or the touch. I’m lucky enough that I choose running and made that work but it was always my dream to play football, so playing in Soccer Aid for UNICEF is a dream come true because you’re playing with incredible athletes and legends of the game.
I’m a huge Arsenal fan, we’re lucky enough we have season tickets and I try and share memories with my kids, who love football.
Why is football so important to you and so many others? Football is important because it’s all about having fun, and it’s a way of getting children active. My kids got into football because I love it and kids often want to impress you all the time, but at the same time I want them to enjoy all sports but it’s definitely a football house.
How have you kept fit this year? Have you had any opportunities to play football? I haven’t been able to play any football but now Soccer Aid for UNICEF is in September, training needs to be ramped up, might have to get a personal trainer, nah I’m joking.
Why is it more important than ever for people to donate this year to raise money to support UNICEF’s vital work and help fight against coronavirus? It’s really important to support children and families who may not be as fortunate as ourselves and get behind those who need our support. Soccer Aid for UNICEF is a great way to do this, and UNICEF are doing an amazing job, raising as much money as they can and for every pound that’s raised, it gets doubled.
For a second consecutive year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is raising money to help fight coronavirus, how proud are you to be part of this? I’m so proud. It’s such a fun event but it’s about showing people what we can do when we come together, and I think that’s the key.
ENDS
Roman Kemp
STARTS
Last year raised over £9.3m for UNICEF, are you excited to return again to play for Soccer Aid World XI? I absolutely love it. It’s been a whole summer of willing on England and wanting us to lift the trophy, and it will be quite refreshing to be on other side and see tears running down England shirts again.
What was the highlight from last year? All three minutes of me being on the pitch. I was lucky because they brought on Joel Dommett who is pony at football, so at least I looked good for the three minutes I was on.
Look, I understand Patrice Evra used to be a baller but why have the old bull when you can have this young calf!
Harry’s the manager again this year, are you hoping to get more game time? I’ve already picketed outside of his house telling him he needs to pull his finger out. Look at football now, you’ve got to play the youngsters – even though I’m closer to
30 than 20, I still consider myself a youngster. Mentally I’m more ready for it this year.
Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside and against this year? I’ll miss Michael Essien, big Mike was a good friend of mine, I’d sit and have dinner with him all the time but now we’ve got Nigel De Jong, I cannot wait to see him up against Mark Wright even though they’re in different positions.
Nigel De Jong on Olly Murs is something I’d pay extortionate money to see.
You’re a huge Arsenal supporter – how does it feel knowing that David Seaman is on the training team this year? He’s an Arsenal legend and the nicest guy but he’s got more interest in fishing than football these days, and he’ll agree to that.
Do you think your dad would be up for joining the team one year? Is he any good at football and would you be competitive with him if he did? My Dad’s not bad, he’s decent. He had a lot of surgeries so he can’t play heavy contact sport. He’s got a football brain, so I wouldn’t be too shocked if he turned up on the other bench. Obviously, my Dad would be playing for England so it would be a bit spicy.
You’ll be playing in front of fans at the Etihad – the champions of England, will this add any pressure to your game? It’s the champions playing at the champions stadium, so what more do you need really.
The Etihad is somewhere I’ve had a lot of bad memories, last time I went there I watched Arsenal lose 6-1 and that’s a long journey home.
They’ve watched David Silva play at the Etihad so it’s a like for like with me going in.
How much difference will it make having fans back in the stadium after last year? The first time I did Soccer Aid for UNICEF was at Stamford Bridge and it was full. My legs were like jelly, I started and I’ve never experienced that in my life. I don’t think people understand, it’s one thing being able to play football, it’s another being able to do it in front of that many people.
I really hope it doesn’t go to pens. Harry Redknapp told me I was next after Chunkz, so if he had scored, I would have had to take one!
It is wicked and to be able to see people back will be amazing.
Do they nerves get easier? NO! They get worse. It was fine when there wasn’t a crowd but now, we’ve got a problem!
The Soccer Aid World XI FC team have won back-to-back shootouts, do you feel the pressure to win again this year? You know what, there was a time when I thought are they genuinely having us on? Is it fixed that we draw and go to pens because it’s been the last three years it’s gone to pens. This year I would love to just comfortably win it in 90 and that would be excellent, a lovely little 5-0 job.
Do you think you’ll be alright against Rooney, Scholes? Absolutely fine. Rooney and Scholes, when was the last time they kicked a ball? Listen, people forget Scholes is still in Viera’s pocket, he’s still in there somewhere.
Has football always been a big part of your life? Did you play as a child? Football is everything in my life. It pains me to say that because it means I become crushed so bad. I still remember when I said I was doing Soccer Aid for UNICEF a few years ago and it’s genuinely the best few days of my life, it’s unbelievable.
Two years ago, I remember being in the changing room, to the right of me was Eric Cantona putting his socks on and to the left was Didier Drogba putting his boots on, you’re pinching yourself thinking what’s going on? It’s not a fabrication, it’s real and you’re actually there. And the legends, they want to win, they’re still doing their normal rituals. They get their tapes out, you can see they’re back there and you’re getting the real 100% experience. Off the pitch they’re the loveliest people but on the pitch, it’s game time.
The legend that I’m always so impressed with is Robbie Keane, out of all the pros that are there I would say he’s top dog. He is the most impressive man in training and is an absolute beast. He could go in the Premier League now 100%
Why is football so important to you and so many others? Football means everything because it’s all we know in this country. It gives us an escape from reality and a form of therapy, dealing with loss, dealing with elation and being able to show emotion and men specifically find it really hard to show emotion.
How have you kept fit this year? Have you had any opportunities to play football? I haven’t been keeping fit because I snapped my ankle in half in April, I snapped all the ligaments, cracked the bone and was in an air boot for two months. I’m on a serious escalated road to recovery.
With the injury I’ve had this year I’ll be happy to get five minutes.
I did it playing football. When lockdown restrictions lifted, it was our first game back. I’d just scored and then the next thing I know my foot has rolled under someone elses and that’s it. I’ll be at Soccer Aid for UNICEF though, 100%.
Why is it more important than ever for people to donate this year to raise money to support UNICEF’s vital work and help fight against coronavirus? It’s not wrong to only have been worrying about the people in the UK, but we need to look outside of that – there are countries suffering from poverty and hunger and
when the pandemic hit, it hit those countries even harder. They’re getting kicked when they’re already down and that’s what Soccer Aid for UNCIEF can help change.
For a second consecutive year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is raising money to help fight coronavirus, how proud are you to be part of this? I’m proud every year to take part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Listen, we’re just a tiny little part, it’s the people paying their hard-earned cash to come and watch the game and donate, they’re the real super stars.
What can we expect to see from Roman Kemp on the pitch this year? I’m thinking Cafu circa 2002, World Cup winning year in Japan. If it’s not type of performance, I will match the donation of people that came to see me play!
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JOEL DOMMETT
STARTS
How proud were you to be part of the event last year and help raise over £9million? I was so proud to be a part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF last year. I think when everyone found out how much we raised we were all incredibly proud. It was absolutely brilliant to be a part of such a fun event. At the end of the day raising money is what we were all doing it for. We all have so much fun taking part but when you find out you’ve raised over £9million at the same time it means a lot.
What made you want to take place in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2021? I loved the experience of walking out onto the pitch last year and I wanted to do it again but without the Covid restrictions which were obviously in place last year. I wanted to experience playing with fans in the stadium and, if I’m honest, I just wanted to redeem myself and be slightly better at football than I was last year. I honestly don’t think that’s going to happen. In fact, I think I might be worse.
How was it losing to Iain Stirling, has he brought it up at all over the last year? He brings it up a lot. Not only did he beat me but he also had a much better game than I did. He stayed on for longer and did some amazing tackles. He was an incredible defender whereas I was terrible, I maybe touched the ball once and it was not even a good touch at all. I’m just happy to be there making up the numbers. I’m perfectly okay with that.
What was it like playing against former professionals, harder than expected? It was great, they were so wonderful. They were just really lovely people and they are really having fun because they don’t need to prove anything to anybody. They’re really good at football and everybody knows they are. They are just enjoying
themselves and for them I think it’s good to be playing football again in a fun environment without having to prove yourself.
How much difference do you think having a crowd in the stadium will make this year? It will make a huge difference. It’s going to be absolutely terrifying because all of those things that people say to you on Twitter will be shouted at you from the seats. I might even get my own chant, fingers crossed I get my own chant! I hope it’s a nice chant though and doesn’t include swear words.
Did any of the former professional footballers give you any advice? Most of the pros were like don’t worry about it. Nobody expects you to be good as you aren’t a footballer. It’s kind of more pressure on the professionals because people expect them to be good but nobody expects me to be good at it, I’m a comedian. Technically the worse I am at football the better I am at my job!
One of your goals last year was to make friends with more A-listers, did you achieve this? I actually did. I feel like I know more A-listers now and it’s been great. I don’t know whether Lee Mack is considered A-list but I feel like he is my friend now as a result of Soccer Aid. I think I probably text him more than he likes to be texted.
Out of the celebrities who do you think had the best chance of becoming a professional footballer? It’s got to be Mark Wright. He’s obviously became a footballer since the last time we played so he has really lived out the dream. There are so many celebrities who are amazing players though, I just really hope everybody understands that I’m not trying to be one of them. I’m not under any illusion that I’m good or pretending to be good at all. I’m there to have fun, raise money and make some friends. I’m never going to follow in Mark Wright’s footsteps but my kit is absolutely going to be as tight as his, that’s what I’m aiming for. A really tight kit.
Having you been doing any specific training to improve your game? I’ve been doing a lot of training that absolutely does not make you any better at football. A lot of bicep curls which make you look better in your shirt but doesn’t make you any better at football.
What is it about football that brings people together? I think football is an amazing sport because it is like theatre, there’s so much drama involved and you can see that reflected in the terraces and in the stadium. Everybody gets so into it and it’s really the biggest form of theatre in the world. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak, you can enjoy a game of football and get caught up in the drama and emotion of it. It’s just a great sport and it’s going to be amazing to play in one of the most famous stadiums.
Why is it so important to support this year’s match given donations will help UNICEF stop the spread of Covid-19 and limit the impact on children’s lives?
It’s more important than ever. We are hopefully starting to feel like we’re coming out of this Covid rut but it is still very much a big thing in other parts of the world. It’s impacted everybody but disproportionately I think children are often the forgotten casualties. It’s great the work UNICEF does to help children all across the world that are suffering and less fortunate than we are, so any help people can give while they watch the game will go a really long way to help.
What makes Soccer Aid for UNICEF so special? It’s so special because it’s about so much more than the entertainment side. It is making celebrities dreams happen but way more importantly at the same time it’s raising loads of money for people who really need it. In every aspect and every way, it is making dreams come true and having a huge impact.
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AITCH
STARTS
You're taking part in Soccer Aid for the first time, tell me how you feel? It means a lot to be taking part, I’m buzzing to be fair. I’ve watched it for years and it’s brilliant to be a part of it because it’s such a good cause. I’m excited, very excited.
What’s your goal for the match? It would be great to get the win but it doesn’t matter who wins at the end of the day but for banter’s sake I want to beat Roman and that, especially for when I next go on radio and see Roman. Actually, my goal is to nutmeg Roman Kemp!
How do you think it will feel when you're walking out to play for the first time? Do you think you'll be nervous? I am absolutely terrified but I’m proud - I’ve got my training boots on now so don’t worry, it’s all good.
You're obviously used to playing in front of lots of people so how do you think it will be different playing football in front of fans? It will be a different feeling. When I’m out on stage everyone’s always lower than me but when I walk out onto the pitch everyone’s going to be higher than me but we’ll see how it goes.
On that note, have you not played any gigs for a while? I haven’t done any gigs since lockdown, the next one is Reading and Leeds festival in August.
Are you looking forward to being in front of a lot of people again? I cannot wait, I’ve been itching for it.
We saw how important fans were at the Euros, how brilliant is it that we’ll have 50,000 back in the Etihad this year?
I was at the semi-final against Denmark and it was sick, absolutely sick. It’s going to be amazing having so many fans coming together for a great cause.
You’re an avid Manchester United fan, how do you feel about playing at Soccer Aid alongside legends like Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes? I’m gassed, I can’t wait to meet them, let alone play with them. I’m buzzing, I can’t wait. As long as I receive the ball just once, off one of those players I’m happy. I can get subbed off after that.
Also, how do you feel about playing against Patrice Evra? Sick but I’m not going anywhere near him, he’s an animal! I’m going to stay on the opposite side of the pitch.
How do you think United will do this season? Could Varane be the missing piece of the puzzle? Do you think they can challenge for the league? I’ve got faith, I’ve got mad faith. I always do anyway but it’s our time now. We’ve had a break, we’ve let everyone else shine, it’s our time to shine again. I think Varane is the missing piece, he’s 100% going to help at the back. I’m definitely confident in that and confident of the boys. I’m gassed to have Sancho as well, buzzing we signed him.
How have you kept fit during the lockdowns? Have you had any opportunities to play football? Will you be doing any additional training for Soccer Aid? No, I reckon I’m the least fit person on the team. I’ll definitely be putting in some work over the next month, one month of pain then hopefully celebrate after.
If it comes to penalties, will you be putting yourself forward? 100%. I’m burying a penalty, absolutely burying one.
What songs will be playing in the changing room to hype you up before you head out onto the pitch? Definitely nothing else anyone would play so I’ll let someone else take the Aux lead. I’ll be playing Future and stuff like that, or some of my music and gas the team up. And possibly bust a little bit of Wonderwall and calm the nerves, bit of a mixture.
If you could choose any musical artist from any era, who would you have in your dream 5-a-side team? Me, Avelino, AJ Tracey, Dave and Stormzy because he’s tall and we could stick him in the net. I know that Avelino can play and apparently Dave can play. I wasn’t basing AJ or Stormzy on their football skills, they’re just my guys.
Has football always been a big part of your life? Did you play as a child? I started playing football when I was a kid. I played for a team called Moston Brook, I was the captain and played left back. I played for my school team a bit but they were very good, I was never good enough to start so was always on the bench. After playing Sunday league and getting to a certain age I just suddenly stopped, and I’ve hardly played football properly since. I’ve played a couple times in the park but haven’t had my boots on for a while.
Do you take a football on tour with you or anything like that? I don’t but I should. There’s always a football in my car boot just in case there’s an opportunity to play but maybe I should start taking one on tour.
Why is football so important to you and so many others? What does it mean to Manchester? Everyone’s got passion for it, it brings people together. It’s the best sport in the world. Football means a lot to Manchester, me being biased, more than any other place – probably because of its history, we’ve had a lot of good history. Maybe because I’m from here but when I think about football I think about Manchester.
Why have you got 40 on the back of your shirt? Because my postcode is M40 where I grew up - I grew up in Moston, so I thought I’d come on and represent. I wanted to have 0161 but I wasn’t allowed! I tried to represent the whole of Manchester but had to narrow it down, so got my postcode instead. It’s always good to represent where you come from of course.
Why is it important for people to donate this year and help UNICEF deliver 2 billion vaccines worldwide? It’s always important to raise money for a good cause, and especially now because of the pandemic. Football can bring people together because there probably isn’t one country in the world that doesn’t know what football is, and through Soccer Aid for UNICEF we can really help make things better in countries across the world.
We should always be helping people but it’s a very good time, Soccer Aid for UNICEF is only going to get bigger and better, more people involved, more people watching, more fans, more sponsors, fingers crossed we can raise a lot of money.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF believes that every childhood should be packed full of play, how important is it to bring play back for kids worldwide? Every child should have an equal opportunity, kids shouldn’t be waking up wondering where the next meal is going to come from or worrying about where to play safely. People need to wake up a little bit, it’s very easy to be ignorant and not really realise what’s going on but we need to do more to help people.
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HOST AND PUNDIT INTERVIEWS
ALEX SCOTT
STARTS
How excited are you to be involved in Soccer Aid for UNICEF, this time with fans at the Etihad? Honestly, I'm so excited! I was first apart of it last year – that was my first little bit of being involved and I have to say, I had such a good time. I really got the true ‘vibe’ of what it means to be a part of the Soccer Aid for UNICEF family.
You were part of a very successful Arsenal team – you won the quadruple. What do you need to have as a team to be successful and win? I think what you just said, you have to be a team. Yes, individuals with a bit of magic can win you a game but ultimately when I look back over my career, it's that atmosphere you create, the family environment and everyone having each other's backs.
So, being a part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF I know what the guys and girls will be like in the changing room, everyone will be part of it and they’re all experiencing something special. It’s more than a football game, it’s for a bigger cause and knowing what it is all in aid of.
Team England have lost back-to-back penalty shootouts, what needs to change? Practice! You know practice makes perfect! It's not about just walking up and thinking you can take a pen because 'penalties are easy'. It’s about handling pressure. The pressure that you feel knowing that everyone's watching you!
What advice would you give to the celebs playing in front of 50 thousand fans? Forget the hype, forget seeing your name in lights and take that moment to concentrate about your technique and putting the ball in the back of the net! I know that sounds super easy but it's about blocking everything out and just concentrating for that moment.
What was your biggest achievement? Was it breaking into the Arsenal first team? What advice would you give to aspiring footballers who want to get to and stay at the top? I think a great example is Jamie Vardy or Ian Wright. Players who came into the game late with people telling them they weren't good enough and having to fight and find a different path and making it to the top. Your path may be different to somebody else's but doesn't mean it's the wrong one, so keep going and keep focusing on you, and believe in yourself.
How do you rate England Women's chances next year? How do you think they've improved? When I look at the woman's team right now, it's the same thing as the men, it's an exciting period. You've got these younger players, the investment in the woman's game and how professional it is now. They've got everything that they need and could hope for to train and focus on being the absolute best. Imagine winning on home soil – that would be insane.
How thrilled are you that you are going to be the new Football Focus presenter? It's weird because it still hasn't sunk in! Dan Walker has been someone who has helped me along the way, and the time he spent with me, got me to a position where I felt comfortable to take over. I even got an email from Bob Wilson, Arsenal's legendary goalkeeper, to congratulate me on me taking that spot, seeing the hard work that I've put in and saying that I deserve to be in that spot and not question it. It means a lot that my colleagues are saying that about me. Still surreal. I don't think I will ever take for granted those that have helped me get to where I am.
What are you looking to bring to the show? It's not about trying to be a Dan Walker or trying to be a Gabby Logan, they are amazing at being them and who they are, it's about making sure that when I sit in that chair that I am me and enjoying the ride and enjoying it because you don't know how long it will last.
You've become such a brilliant role model, how amazing does it make you feel to be a role model for so many people, boys and girls? I don't think it will ever sink in. If I was to think about being a role model it would actually get me quite emotional, because I’m just being me and people are seeing my story. I am just somebody who has got their head down and tried to better themselves and if I can do that, then anybody can do it!
Are you excited to work with Dermot O’Leary? He's an Arsenal supporter isn't he so it's already a great match up then! I've worked with Dermot previously, he's such a great guy and I think our personalities match. We are both laid back and it's a football match and a football match is about having fun. The bigger picture is the reason why we're doing it: to raise a lot of money for UNICEF. It's going to be an amazing day.
Why did you want to become involved in Soccer Aid for UNICEF and why is it so important for people to donate? I was involved last year and it hit home, the scale of it and why we are doing it and being a part of this Soccer Aid for UNICEF family, that's special – and all for a great cause.
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DERMOT O’LEARY
STARTS
Soccer Aid for UNICEF raised over £9million last year, how proud were you to be part of this? Incredibly. Especially given that we didn’t have a crowd in the stadium. We were all quite worried about how it would be received so for people to enjoy the show and donate as much as they did is really humbling. I know we’re living through a pandemic and people are more attuned and aware of others struggling but still it’s incredible that during these times we raised as much money as we did.
What keeps you coming back to host Soccer Aid for UNICEF on ITV? It’s such a fun job to do. Everyone loves taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF which create this great atmosphere and it really isn’t a chore at all. I love my job and I’m incredibly lucky to do what I do but because it’s a charity gig there are no egos. All egos are left at the door and actually there are a lot of people that could have egos here yet none of them have. It’s a brilliant day.
As well as it being a lot of fun you get to see where the money goes and it’s spent so wisely and so brilliantly. It’s important to educate people about UNICEF’s work because there’s a perception that the UN give them a lot of money when in reality everything is raised and Soccer Aid provides a massive contribution. I’ve seen the work UNICEF is doing on the ground which is literally saving lives and securing futures, after you’ve seen that you want to keep helping out wherever you can. They change the lives of so many children which is an incredible thing for an organisation to do and on such a wide scale both here and abroad.
If this year’s match goes to another penalty shootout, who would you back to win? I can’t go through another penalty shoot-out! The thing is whereas everyone watching is going we really like penalties, for us making the show we’re going do we even have time for penalties? We rehearse this lovely leisurely end to the show where we speak to the players in the studio and have a chat with them but when it gets to penalties that all just goes out the window.
Who would be in your dream line-up? Martin Compston. He’s a great player but also such a nice guy. I met him when he first played for Soccer Aid for UNICEF and we got on really well. It was the first year the Soccer Aid World XI team had won in a while and we all ended up having drinks in the evening. I was so impressed by him. He’s my sort of player, quite tenacious and really skilful and he’s a Celtic fan so I have a soft spot for him.
Will we ever see you on the pitch playing? I’d love to play but I’m not entirely sure I’m good enough. I think I’m fit enough but my football skills might not be up to scratch. It’s only when you get down there on the pitch that you realise how big it is, to even kick a ball from one end to the other is a huge ask. I play five aside and if I can string two passes together, I’m happy so I might be pushing it to play at the Etihad.
How brilliant will it be to have fans back in a stadium for Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2021? It will make a huge difference. I think after we’ve not been able to do normal things like go to
a football game for over a year, there will be a huge sense of gratitude now that we’re able to get back into stadiums. The lovely thing about Soccer Aid’s atmosphere is that it is a great family environment. The kids are there with their parents and everyone is just relaxed, having some drinks and it’s a lovely family feel to it.
You host a lot of live shows - just in general are you looking forward to having a live audience again? The atmosphere is completely different. I can’t wait to have an audience again, you feel alive when you can physically see people watching and reacting.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF is a bit different because you’re never really hosting to the people in the stadium as they’re there to watch the game. Having a crowd also makes such a big difference for the players too.
What are you looking forward to most for this year’s event and what players have a point to prove? Olly Murs and Mark Wright were so hacked off last year. They really wanted to win. Bless Lee Mack, if he gets brought on he has to score, the poor guy. I sort of feel guilty because the first year he kept saying ‘I can’t do this’ and I convinced him to and then the second year he missed a penalty so I feel that I’m somehow to blame. I really hope he scores this year, I feel I have a vested interest in him doing well!
Are there any of the celebrity players that you think could be a professional? Martin Compston, Dermot Kennedy and obviously Mark Wright are all very good footballers.
What is it about football that brings everyone together? It’s the world’s sport. All you need is two jumpers for goal posts and a ball to be able to play and everybody can get involved with varying degrees of ability, it doesn’t matter how good you are. There is something so universal and easy about it.
From Soccer Aid and the beautiful stadiums that we play in to Za’atari which is the refugee camp I visited in Jordan, football brings people together regardless of the situation they’re in. Za’atari is a very well-established camp with great sanitation and education funded by UNICEF and their partners and all the kids were united by enjoying playing football together.
How important is it that all children have the freedom to play? Vitally important. It’s something we take for granted in this country understandably but when you travel and you see kids robbed of their childhood it’s unbearable. That’s a big part of what UNICEF does, they help kids through education and play. It’s so important that we help kids around the world to allow them to be kids.
You’ve been a supporter of UNICEF for over 10 years and recently became an official UNICEF UK Ambassador, why is it so important to support this year’s match given donations will help UNICEF stop the spread of Covid-19 and limit the impact on children’s lives? We all know that kids are less susceptible to the virus but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t impact their lives. The fact is that for so many children around the world, their education has been halted and it’s vitally important to get those kids back on track as quickly as possible. If
there’s one thing I’ve learnt over the last ten years it is that education is a basic need and opens doors for kids to secure their future.
How have you kept active through lockdown? I have a baby son which means I’ve been getting lots of upper body work! And then a bit of running too.
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MAYA JAMA
STARTS
Last year was your first Soccer Aid for UNICEF and you’re back for another, how special is it to be part of this? It’s so special. Obviously my first year was last year and we didn’t have an audience, it was an empty stadium which was still incredible but I think having the fans there this year is going to be so special. It will make it bigger and better than ever.
On that, this year we’ll see fans back in the stands watching the game at the Etihad stadium, how brilliant will this be to have them back? It will have so much difference for everyone. The adrenaline, the excitement, the vibe the whole experience will be elevated by a hundred when you’ve got people in the stadium. I can’t wait. I think we have all really missed that atmosphere of live sport and having fun with your friends in a big crowd over the last year so I think everyone will want to make up for lost time over the last year. I really think it will be incredible and so fun in those stands.
Has football been a big part of your life? I’ve been in and around football since I was young. I’ve got two brothers and a dad who are all obsessed. My dad used to take us to watch Bristol Rovers games when we were little so football was a huge part of my life growing up.
I started my career as a football presenter at Copa90 so that game has a huge special place in my heart. I spent two months in Brazil for the World Cup in 2014 reporting for Copa90 and I haven’t really topped going to that but Soccer Aid for UNICEF comes really close. Even though it’s only a day, it’s honestly so much fun.
Did you play when you were growing up? I played at school in years 7 and 8 on the girls team and I was actually alright, I wasn’t the best but I did would I could and I enjoyed it.
What has been your favourite Soccer Aid moment throughout the years? My favourite moment was last year when Filly scored and ran over to Chunkz to celebrate. That moment was so cute and wholesome. You could really see from the interaction how much it actually meant to them. It was a real moment of brotherly love, two people that genuinely love each other celebrating an iconic moment. I loved that so much.
Also, Chunkz missing the penalty was funny too, it was a high and a low moment.
You consoled Chunkz after his penalty miss last year – have you been giving him any tips for the upcoming game? Chunkz has been taking it very seriously this year. We’re mates and I know he’s been training and taking preparation seriously. I saw him on Soccer AM recently scoring two goals so I think he’s going to come back with a vengeance this year. As a pundit you have to be impartial and can’t be supporting one team over another but I want to see my friends do well.
Why is football such an important game to so many others? Football is such a big part of people’s lives and brings so much joy to people even when they’re going through difficult situations all around the world. Whether it’s going to watch their team play with their mates or just having a ball and a kick around it can completely change how that person is feeling.
Football also can change kid’s lives and experiences as well as creating jobs and careers. It’s so much more than just people kicking a ball, it’s a culture, a family and a community.
Who would be in your dream line up? I’d have the most unlikely players in my squad. Mariah Carey, Oprah, Keith Lemon and then build around that, I’d see where it goes from there. Can you imagine the locker room chats? They’d be major.
What are you most looking forward to about this year’s match? Goals! I just want to see loads of goals. The last few years have obviously gone all the way to penalties but this year I want heavy goals throughout so I hope we have some good strikers on the teams!
Why is it so important to support this year’s match given donations will help UNICEF stop the spread of Covid-19 and limit the impact on children’s lives? For that reason alone. It’s helping people and supporting families. It’s looking after children that have had terrible years - like we all have - but they’ve had it really tough because they’ve missed out on freedom in their childhood. As a child that’s where you find out about things when you have freedom, you learn about new things every day and a lot of children around the world haven’t been able to do that this year.
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PRESS CONTACTS
• Niall Malone, Head of Communications, [email protected] • Will Moore, Sports PR Manager, [email protected] • Natalie Clark, Entertainment PR Manager, [email protected] • ITV-related enquiries, Sarah Stevens, sarah.stevens@itv.com • UNICEF UK related enquiries, Charlotte Tromans, [email protected] • Photo and footage enquiries, Emma Griffiths, [email protected]
PHOTOS AND VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE
NOTES TO EDITORS Tickets and talent Soccer Aid for UNICEF is looking forward to welcoming fans back to the 2021 match. The hope is that the game will take place in front of a full stadium and tickets will be sold accordingly. The game will, of course, happen in line with Covid protocols and updates given to ticket purchasers should restrictions change. Similarly, the attendance of players in the match is subject to change, pending potential restrictions.
About Soccer Aid Productions Limited The multi-stakeholder project of Soccer Aid for UNICEF is run by Soccer Aid Productions, a collaboration between UNICEF UK and Triple S Events which is part of the Triple S Sports & Entertainment Group.
About UNICEF UK UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. It also promotes and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. It is a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.
About ITV Social Purpose ITV is More Than TV. We connect with millions of people every day, make content they can't get enough of, and reflect and shape the world we live in and we do all of this through the power of creativity.
Reflecting and shaping the world we live in gives us a great opportunity: to change ITV for better, and to use our content to reach and inspire positive change in the wider world. This is ITV's Social Purpose - shaping culture for good. We do this across four focus areas: Better Mental and Physical Health, Diversity & Inclusion, Climate Action and Giving Back. For more information, please visit itvplc.com/socialpurpose
About Initial Initial, part of Banijay, the UK’s largest television production group, are experienced in making large scale reality programmes, physical gameshows, quizzes and factual entertainment formats, which include hit shows such as Big Brother, Tenable and Total Wipeout. Initial has been the producer of Soccer Aid since its inception in 2006.