Liam Payne's poignant explanation for taking part in Soccer Aid
I’m A Celebrity’s Queen of The Jungle Jill Scott will captain England as she makes her Soccer Aid debut on Sunday.
The Euros-winning Lioness will be joined for the UNICEF fundraiser at Manchester United ’s Old Trafford by stars including Liam Payne, Scarlette Douglas, Mel C, Usain Bolt and Sir Mo Farah.
Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott host the pre-match build up on ITV from 6.30pm today. Dermot said: “It’s like watching more than a football match in many ways. Everyone that comes to watch the match has a great time, the atmosphere in the stadium is incredible.
“But it’s so much more than just 90 minutes of football. At its heart is a charity that we champion. We want people to watch it and have a good time and put their hand in their pockets if they can.”
* Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023, 6.30pm, Sunday, on ITV1 and ITVX.
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Liam Payne
You’re returning to Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year – what makes the show so special?
It was a great atmosphere last time and the training has got me back in the gym, which is great! Watching the pros play is amazing. It’s about the football and about the fun of the day. It’s a privilege to be a part of and to help out where I can.
Liam loves training for Soccer Aid (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Ann)
Liam with girlfriend Kate Cassidy in London (GC Images)What does it mean to you to be supporting UNICEF and children around the world?
It definitely changes things being a parent, everything gets put into perspective. It’s heartbreaking how many children there are all over the world living in poverty. Soccer Aid is great fun, but the most important thing we’re doing is raising vital funds for the children.
What’s your favourite memory from Soccer Aid for UNICEF so far?
I’m not a footballer but the whole aim of Soccer Aid is get the ball as quickly as you can and give it to a pro. Mark Wright is an amazing footballer, he passed the ball to me and in my panic I passed it to a pro, which made me look like an absolute don. We should have scored it… it was a fun little moment! Training week is great – everyone’s from different walks of life and it’s a fun experience for sure. You get to see a different side to everybody. It’s a really special event and a lot of fun to be involved in.
Who do you think is the strongest celebrity you’ve seen take part in Soccer Aid?
I love Tom Grennan; he’s a real laugh and very, very good. Robbie Williams is great! I’m a massive Robbie fan and Angels was the first song I sang as a kid – he’s literally like Uncle Rob now!
Who are you looking forward to seeing play?
Steven Bartlett is a very good player. I like playing against Usain; he’s so relaxed and amazing. Scholes is going to be so interesting to watch. I’m interested to see what Tommy Fury does, I really like him and he’s in great shape! Sir Mo Farah is such a lovely fella.
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Do you have any particular songs that would get you ready for the match?
I really like Angel by Massive Attack; its in Brad Pitt’s film Snatch. I’d pick that. I would let Bugzy be in charge of the music, he’s a cool guy.
Mel C
You’re taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF for the first time, in the World XI Coaching team – what made you say yes?
I have wanted to be involved in Soccer Aid for many years but other commitments have never made it possible. I’m so happy to finally be part of this brilliant event and I’m really looking forward to the experience.
Mel C is looking forward to going back to Old Trafford (Getty Images)
Scarlette is excited about playing alongside Lioness Jill Scott (ITV)Do you play or watch football regularly? What are you looking forward to the most about this match?
I haven’t played football for many years, but I still enjoy watching the game. I’m looking forward to revisiting Old Trafford, I think the last time I was there David Beckham was still in the squad!
Are you excited to see your team run out on the pitch at Old Trafford? What tactics have you got up your sleeve?
I am honoured to be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s coaching team alongside the brilliant Robbie Keane and Soccer Aid veteran Martin Compston. With their brilliant guidance I’ll be providing support where needed! I’m trying to decide whether my coaching style will be an angry Roy Kent from Ted Lasso or more maternal, maybe somewhere in between!
Who are you most excited about coaching in this year’s line-up?
With an amazing team of athletes, entertainers and legendary international players, England had better watch out. I’ll be soaking up every second I get to spend with everyone.
Which Spice Girls track would you play to motivate your team in the dressing room before kick off?
Spice Up Your Life always gets everybody going, we opened our stadium shows in 2019 with it.
Scarlette Douglas
You’re taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF for the first time – what made you say yes?
Well, it’s UNICEF so when an organisation like that comes knocking, it’s hard to say no. My family is football obsessed so the opportunity to represent the Three Lions at Old Trafford is once in a lifetime.
How the Soccer Aid sides line up (https://www.socceraid.org.uk/2023-line-up/)Do you play regularly? What are you looking forward to the most about playing in the match?
I used to play a bit when I was younger as my two older brothers were professional footballers. I also played at school. I’m most looking forward to revelling in the positivity of the environment; all of the players and supporters creating such a buzz in the build-up and on match day… I can’t wait to be a part of something truly special.
Are you excited to run out on the pitch at Old Trafford?
Absolutely! To get to experience that will be amazing. And it’s something I don’t think my brothers ever did!
Who are you most excited about playing with and against in this year’s 2023 match?
It has to be Jill Scott. She’s an inspirational winner. For the Soccer Aid World XI team, it has to be Usain Bolt. My heritage is Jamaican and I watched him race at London 2012.
Do you think you’ll be nervous playing in the match?
A bit, maybe, but nerves mean that what you’re doing really means a great deal to you. I think when you compare playing at Old Trafford with some of the experiences children around the world constantly face, it makes any nerves I might have irrelevant.
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