Robbie Williams chose St George’s Day to announce a huge boost for his England team ahead of the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match on June 10th at Old Trafford.
David Seaman; Phil Neville; Danny Murphy; Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler are the latest names to sign-up to play in Soccer Aid. With nearly 200 England caps between them, the fivesome will provide stiff competition for Usain Bolt and the Soccer Aid World XI.
These latest additions add to an already impressive line-up of celebrities and former footballers, including: Sir Mo Farah, Gordon Ramsay, Olly Murs, Mark Wright, Brendan Cole, Joe Wicks, Clarence Seedorf, Robert Pirès, Yaya Tourè, Jaap Stam, Patrick Kluivert, Edwin van der Sar and Kevin Pietersen.
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.
International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, 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 difference for children around the world.”
Danny Murphy said: “Over the years I always did quite well at Old Trafford – three match-winning free kicks from my time with Liverpool spring to mind! So, it’s always a pleasure to come back and be part of Soccer Aid because as well as it being a great match to play in, together we all raise a huge amount of money for Unicef. We’ll raise even more now with the government’s pledge to match every pound donated.”
David Seaman said: “Soccer Aid for Unicef is a great cause, which raises lots of money for children in danger all around the world. Looking at the names involved this year I know it’s going to be bigger and better than ever and your support will be vital to that. I am delighted, too, that every pound you donate will be matched by the government, so please lend us your support.”
Robbie Fowler said: “Make no mistake, all the English lads want to win this game and get another one over on the Soccer Aid World XI but this match is about a lot more. This year, I was delighted to hear that the government will once again match every pound that the public donate. It’s a real privilege to be a part of something that raises so much money and allows Unicef to continue the exceptional work they do.”
Jamie Redknapp said: “Every former pro will tell you that they really miss playing, so I jump at any chance to pull my boots on again – especially for Soccer Aid for Unicef. I’ve not done too badly in these games over the years but I think both line-ups this year are stronger than ever. The fans’ support has been brilliant since this initiative began and I know that will continue this year, especially with the government’s pledge to match donations pound-for-pound.”
Phil Neville said: “This is going to be the best game yet. The England team looks really strong. I’ll just be hoping to avoid being pranked on the bus this time – I still haven’t lived the last one down! The most important result is how much we raise, something that will be helped massively following the government’s decision to match every pound you donate with another pound.”
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.
Soccer Aid for Unicef is the original England vs. Soccer Aid World XI charity match. It was launched and co-founded in 2006 by Unicef UK Ambassador Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, and has previously featured A-list stars such as Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Mike Myers and Niall Horan, plus footballing royalty including Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldinho. Soccer Aid for Unicef 2018 is set to be bigger and better than ever.
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 will 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.
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.
