Three of Holland’s most decorated players have announced they will take part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF this summer.
Patrick Kluivert will make his debut for the Soccer Aid World XI, with Jaap Stam returning at the heart of the defence in front of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar who has also starred previously.
The Dutch triumvirate – two of which, Stam and van der Sar, enjoyed successful club careers with Manchester United at Old Trafford – will team up with compatriot Clarence Seedorf who has already announced that he too will play for the Soccer Aid World XI.
An imposing central defender, Jaap Stam won a range of trophies with some of Europe’s top clubs across a 15-year career. Included in this was a three-year stay at Manchester United, where he is remembered fondly as part of the ’99 treble-winning side.
Edwin van der Sar was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation. He enjoyed spells with Ajax, Juventus and Fulham before a move to Old Trafford materialised in 2005. During six years with the Reds he won four Premier Leagues, a UEFA Champions League and a League Cup.
One of Europe’s most clinical finishers ever, Patrick Kluivert scored goals for the likes of Ajax, AC Milan and Barcelona during a glittering career which saw him win domestic league titles in Holland and Spain, as well as the ’95 UEFA Champions League. He also played for Newcastle United, Valencia, PSV Eindhoven and Lille OSC. By the time he retired from international football in 2004, he had scored 40 goals in 79 appearances, including the Golden Boot at Euro 2000.
The UK Government will match every £1 donated by the public through its UK Aid Match scheme, doubling the difference for children in danger around the world.
Penny Mordaunt, International Development Secretary, said: “We are excited to be involved once again this year in what promises to be the biggest Soccer Aid for Unicef to date. The UK Government will match public donations pound-for-pound, meaning that, together, we can double the number of children around the world who will benefit from Soccer Aid.”
Jaap Stam, Soccer Aid World XI, said: “Soccer Aid for Unicef is a brilliant initiative and I am delighted to be playing once again. This year we want to raise more money than ever before, so please come out and support us. Having lost in 2016, we’re out to win the trophy back this year and the Soccer Aid World XI is looking strong. I think we’ve got a great chance!”
Edwin van der Sar, Soccer Aid World XI, said: “I’m really excited to be back playing at Old Trafford. I’ve won one and lost one Soccer Aid match so far, so I’m keen to make it two wins, but this game is a lot more significant than that. The work Unicef does around the world can only continue with your help, so please come along with your friends and family to support their work.”
Patrick Kluivert, Soccer Aid World XI, said: “Old Trafford was such a great place to play football and I can’t wait to get back out on the pitch in my first Soccer Aid match. The atmosphere was always electric and I am sure the fans who come along on June 10th will really make some noise.”
Additionally, Soccer Aid for Unicef co-founder Jonathan Wilkes has confirmed that he is unable to take part in this year’s match due to existing work commitments abroad. Jonathan and Robbie Williams created the Soccer Aid concept in 2006 and since then Jonathan has been integral to the development of the charity which has raised £24million.
Jonathan Wilkes, Soccer Aid for Unicef co-founder, said: “Unfortunately due to work commitments, I can’t play in this year’s match. Nonetheless, I’d like to say a big thank you to everybody who is taking part this year and especially the fans who have donated money over the years to make Soccer Aid the success it is – let’s make this the biggest and best one yet! It’s also great news that donations will be matched pound for pound by the UK Government, doubling the difference for children in danger around the world.”
Over the coming weeks, the England vs. Soccer Aid World XI rivalry is set to intensify further, with some of football’s biggest legends and celebrities set to join Usain Bolt, Robbie Williams, Sir Mo Farah, Olly Murs, Brendan Cole, Gordon Ramsay, Clarence Seedorf, Robert Pirès, Joe Wicks, Mark Wright, Yaya Touré, Michael Owen, Paddy McGuiness and now Jaap Stam, Edwin van der Sar and Patrick Kluivert in what is set to be a game like no other.
The international friendly match will take place at Old Trafford on Sunday 10th June, just four days before the FIFA World Cup in Russia begins. Tickets are on sale now and the game will be broadcast live on ITV. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST.
Unicef, the world’s leading organisation for children, has joined forces with ITV to make the pro-celebrity football match bigger and better than ever, with more potential to raise money and vital support for children in danger. Soccer Aid for Unicef is produced by Initial, part of Endemol Shine UK, for ITV.
100% of all public donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be doubled by the UK Government, up to a total of £5 million, and go towards supporting the vital work protecting children around the world. So far, £24 million has already been raised through Soccer Aid over the last 12 years.
Swiss watchmaker Hublot and Global Sports Brand PUMA are Official Soccer Aid World XI Partners, with both brands acting as kit sponsors for the Soccer Aid World XI team.
Tickets for the Soccer Aid for Unicef football match on Sunday 10th June 2018 at Old Trafford are available now at www.manutd.com/socceraid or by calling 0161 444 2018 with tickets priced between £10 and £50.
