Soccer Aid is returning to Manchester this year with a fantastic line-up of famous faces. Among the celebrities taking to the pitch at Manchester United's Old Trafford on Sunday, June 11 is Tom Grennan, Alex Brooker, Steven Bartlett and Scarlette Douglas.
Hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott, the event raises money for UNICEF to help disadvantaged children worldwide, and will see a whole host of celebs and professional players go head-to-head in a 90-minute match in front of more than 74,000 fans. Commentating on the charity football match this year is Love Island narrator and comedian Iain Stirling and ITV and TalkSport commentator Sam Matterface.
Iain isn't a stranger to Soccer Aid, having previously commentated on the event. He also played for the World XI team when the match last took place at Old Trafford in 2020. "I think after playing once, commentary is where my skill set lies," he admits to the Manchester Evening News.
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The 35-year-old says he enjoys 'being part of the whole Soccer Aid atmosphere' and 'knowing you’re part of something that’s doing such great work for such a great cause.' He continues: "Last year when we raised £15.6 million, the most we’ve ever raised... It was really special because me and Sam were telling people to call up, donate what they could and the fact that people did, it felt like a really special moment."
There are 'loads' of similarities between working on both Love Island and Soccer Aid, Iain notes. "Like Lee Mack tries to get involved every time every year for both," he jokes. On his approach to commentating on the hit ITV reality show compared to Soccer Aid, he explains: "It’s a more positive spin with Soccer Aid because I know that everyone is giving up their time for free and they’re all very sweet people to help raise money for UNICEF.
"Although I do love everyone on Love Island as well so, I’d say the main thing is I appreciate the effort [the Soccer Aid players] put in on the pitch and that they've gone out of their comfort zone to raise money for a great cause. I go easier on them, I suppose, not all the time but sometimes."
Iain, who is married to former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore, has fond memories of Manchester. Not only did he previously play at Old Trafford for Soccer Aid, but Iain also used to live in the city for 'a good couple of years.'
He says: "I used to live up in Didsbury, so right next to Simon Rimmer’s vegetarian restaurant. I was a classy little boy up in my Manchester days, it will be nice to go back up there again."
Iain moved to Manchester when he was working for CBBC. He said: "It feels sort of home from home in many ways - apart from the United team because I’m a Liverpool fan... But it's still a nice place to be!"
So, what does Iain think to team England's chances of winning Soccer Aid this year? The Three Lions have not won a Soccer Aid for UNICEF match since 2018, losing last year's game on penalties. The final score was 4-1 to World XI.
Iain says: "England haven’t won it since I’ve been involved but I think they’re going to be taking it very, very seriously this year - I think they'll be able to win it".
The comedian also issued the Soccer Aid players some advice from his previous experience on the pitch. "Conserve your energy because an actual full-sized football pitch it is unbelievable how big it is," he warns. "I am never again complaining about a footballer saying they’re injured because I played 45 minutes and I think my ankles are still recovering three years later."
He adds: "Drink in the atmosphere because it’s a phenomenal thing to be part of, very few people get to do it - so enjoy it!"
Soccer Aid will air live and exclusively on ITV, STV and ITVX.
Tickets to attend the game are on sale now via www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets with a family of four able to attend for just £60.
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