For the first time in over a decade, Soccer Aid for Unicef will take place in London, as Chelsea ’s Stamford Bridge plays host to the 2019 edition of the charity football match.
The star-studded event, which sees celebrities and football legends represent a World XI and an England XI, will take place on Sunday June 16.
Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba will return to his old stomping ground for the first time since 2015, as the Ivorian captains the World XI.
Alongside Drogba will be Usain Bolt, who played in a Soccer Aid match for the first time at Old Trafford in 2018.
(Image: Tom Dymond/UNICEF)
Team news
The Jamaican athlete has recently attempted to become a professional footballer, spending eight weeks with Australian side Central Coast Mariners. Bolt announced his retirement from professional football in January 2019.
A whole host of stars will line-up for England in west London, including Jamie Redknapp, Mark Wright and Ben Shephard.
Singer Robbie Williams, who has either played or coached at every Soccer Aid for Unicef game except 2008, will again represent England.
(Image: Publicity Picture)
Sam Allardyce will also return, to manage the hosts. The former Everton , Crystal Palace and West Ham boss took charge of the England XI in 2018, when the Three Lions triumphed over the World XI on penalties.
In the opposite dug-out will be Harry Redknapp, who also managed the World XI last year.
The I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here 2018 winner will face off against his son, Jamie, who will line-up for England. The former Liverpool midfielder has appeared in every single Soccer Aid for Unicef match, aside from the 2012 and 2016 games.
(Image: Publicity Picture)
The action will not just be confined to the pitch, as Good Morning Britain presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid face off in the dug-outs.
Morgan will co-manage the World XI alongside Redknapp, while Reid will aid Allardyce in managing the England side.
Reid will become the first female to manage at a Soccer Aid for Unicef game.
Further celebrities and football legends, who will feature in Soccer Aid, will be announced over the coming months.
(Image: Tom Dymond/UNICEF)
When is the match taking place?
The match will take place on Sunday June 16.
This year’s Soccer Aid match falls on Father’s Day, meaning that father and son duo Harry and Jamie Redknapp will spend the special day in competition.
Jamie said: “Even though we’re on opposite teams, it’s an honour to be able to play against my dad in Soccer Aid for Unicef this Father’s Day.”
The 45-year-old added: “Some of my best memories of my childhood are playing with my Dad and being with him at the football, and it’s an incredible feeling to know we’re making playtime possible for kids around the world by getting together for this special game.”
(Image: Publicity Picture)
Where is the match taking place?
For the first time since 2008, Soccer Aid will take place in London.
Stamford Bridge will be the venue, the first time that Chelsea’s stadium has hosted the event. Stamford Bridge has a capacity of just under 42,000 spectators.
Tickets
Tickets are available now at www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets/ or by calling 020 7386 2019.
They begin at £10 for under-16s and over-65s, while adults tickets start at £20, meaning that a family of four can attend Soccer Aid for £60.
(Image: Publicity Picture)
Will Soccer Aid be on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on terrestrial TV in the UK by both ITV and STV.
Coverage will once again be provided by Dermot O’Leary, with Kirsty Gallacher operating as pitch-side reporter.
The purpose of Soccer Aid
All the revenue raised at Soccer Aid will go towards Unicef’s work in protecting vulnerable children across the globe.
Since the event was first held in 2006, over £30million has been raised for Unicef’s charitable work.
Soccer Aid for Unicef does not end on Sunday June 16, but is part of Unicef’s wider campaign to raise funds for children.
Unicef UK are encouraging the nation to get involved in The Great Kickabout between June 14-16.
