ITV has announced that Harry and Jamie Redknapp, Didier Drogba and Usain Bolt will take part in this year’s Soccer Aid match for Unicef, to highlight the importance of playtime in childhood.
Taking place at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge in London, all money raised will go towards Unicef’s work in providing care and protection for children around the world.
The match will see ex-football legends and celebrities such as Jamie Redknapp, Mark Wright and Ben Shepherd playing for the England team, and going head to head with the Soccer Aid World XI team.
Produced by Initial, part of Endemol Shine UK, the match will be broadcast live on ITV on June 16th and hosted by Dermot O’Leary.
With the match falling on Father’s Day, Jamie Redknapp will be managed by ‘Big Sam’ Allardyce and presenter Susanna Reid, while his father Harry Redknapp and Piers Morgan manage the opposing Soccer Aid World XI team.
“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,” commented Jamie Redknapp.
“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 more playtime possible for kids around the world by getting together for this special game.”
Dermot O’Leary added that “the game is going to be incredible this year, we’ve got a massive line-up, we’re back in London for the first time in 10 years, sadly not at my beloved Arsenal and Drogba is playing, which has already brought back nightmares.”
Individuals and schools are also invited to take part across the nation in The Great Big Kickabout and Soccer Aid’s Playground Challenge on the 14th and 16th of June, to help raise funds in supporting children around the world.
Tickets to the match can be bought here.
The match will be broadcast on ITV and STV on Sunday 16th June.