Olympic hero Usain Bolt and global pop star Robbie Williams have announced on social media that they will go head-to-head for the eagerly anticipated Soccer Aid for Unicef match, as part of a new-look charity campaign for Unicef UK and ITV.
Usain’s Soccer Aid World XI will go up against Robbie’s England side with competing teams made up of A-list stars and footballing legends set to walk out onto the Theatre of Dreams pitch this summer to take part in a game like no other.
The official launch marks the start of a series of surprise player unveilings with Robbie, the Unicef UK Ambassador who co-founded and launched Soccer Aid in 2006, kicking off the excitement by playfully teasing newcomer Usain. Over the coming weeks, the England v Soccer Aid World XI rivalry is set to intensify, with some of football’s biggest legends and celebrities set to join the line-ups.
The international friendly match will take place at Old Trafford on Sunday 10 June, just four days before the FIFA World Cup in Russia begins.
Soccer Aid for Unicef is the original England v Soccer Aid World XI charity match. It has previously featured A-list stars such as Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Mike Myers and Niall Horan, plus footballing royalty including Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldinho. Soccer Aid for Unicef 2018 is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Usain Bolt said: “It is my dream to make it as a professional footballer, so to be able to step out onto the pitch at Old Trafford in June, and play against some of football’s biggest legends is going to be remarkable. I enjoy the thrill of competition in front of a crowd, so Robbie and his England team had better watch out as I won’t be going easy on them! I’ve got a pretty special celebration planned for when I score, by the way. My team is going to be unbeatable – and Soccer Aid for Unicef is counting on your support to make a difference to thousands of children around the world. Come and join in the fun!”
Robbie Williams, Unicef UK Ambassador and co-founder of Soccer Aid, added: “I am buzzing that Soccer Aid for Unicef is back. Reclaiming the title for England this year is going to taste so much sweeter with Usain leading the Soccer Aid World XI. I can’t wait to lead out the England team on Sunday 10 June at Old Trafford in what really is a game like no other. With your support, we will help children in danger around the world.”
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 per cent of all public donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef will go towards supporting the vital work protecting children in the UK and globally. The money raised through profits from ticket sales and viewer donations during the match will add to the incredible £24 million that has already been raised through Soccer Aid over the last 12 years.
The match will be further complemented by a mass public fundraising activity, with more details to be announced soon. Additionally, on Friday 8 June, a Soccer Aid Playground Challenge will involve schools up and down the country taking part in an exciting activity programme, generating vital donations.
