# Soccer Aid for UNICEF raises record £13m

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/09/06/soccer-aid-for-unicef-raises-record-13m/
- Published: 2021-09-06T09:30:00+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**This year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF, which took place on 4 September, broadcast 
live on ITV, STV, and the ITV hub, has raised a record-breaking £13,014,769 so far
for UNICEF.**

The record-breaking amount was raised thanks to the generous support of the UK public,
ITV and STV viewers, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) who matched
all public donations up to £6.3 million. This breaks [last year’s record](https://fundraising.co.uk/2020/09/08/soccer-aid-2020-breaks-records-to-raise-11-5m-for-unicef/)
of £11.5m. Created by Robbie Williams, the first Soccer Aid [took place in 2006](https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/05/31/soccer-aid-raises-over-2-million-unicef/),
raising £2m.

The [Soccer Aid](https://donate.socceraid.org.uk/) match took place once again in
Manchester, with 51,674 fans attending in line with current Covid safety regulations,
following last year’s match behind closed doors. The match ended 3-0 to Soccer Aid
World XI and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham OBE presented the Soccer 
Aid for UNICEF shield to the winning Soccer Aid World XI FC team.

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The match was between England, led by Olly Murs and the Soccer Aid World XI FC, 
captained by Usain Bolt. England, co-managed by former England international Manager,
Sven Goran-Eriksson and Soccer Aid for UNICEF co-founder and UNICEF UK Ambassador
Robbie Williams who were up against Soccer Aid for UNICEF stalwart Harry Redknapp
and inspirational tennis coach, Judy Murray.

Match highlights included Player of the Match, Kem Cetinay scoring two goals for
the Soccer Aid World XI FC – meaning the former Love Islander has now netted in 
each of the matches he has played in: 2019, 2020 and 2021, which is an all-time 
Soccer Aid for UNICEF record.

As the only official FA sanctioned mixed gender match, Kelly Smith MBE and Fara 
Williams returned for England, whilst Julie Fleeting and Chelcee Grimes returned
for the Soccer Aid World XI FC. Fara Williams, Harriet Pavlou and Ingrid Moe Wold
all made their Soccer Aid for UNICEF debuts.

Making up the star studded squads were new and returning players including Wayne
Rooney, Sir Mo Farah, Gary Neville, Mark Wright, James Arthur, Paul Scholes, Roberto
Carlos, Patrice Evra, Ore Oduba, Martin Compston, Lee Mack, Kem Cetinay, Joel Dommett,
Yung Blood, Chunkz, Olly Murs, Max Whitlock and Jamie Redknapp.

The show was presented by UNICEF UK Ambassador, Dermot O’Leary, with Alex Scott 
making her Soccer Aid for UNICEF presenting debut as Pitch Side Reporter. Joining
Dermot in the studio providing punditry were UNICEF UK Ambassador James Nesbitt 
and Maya Jama. Commentary was provided by Sam Matterface, who was joined by former
Soccer Aid World XI FC player and voice of Love Island, Iain Stirling.

Throughout the ITV show, short appeal films presented by UNICEF UK Ambassadors Olivia
Colman and David Harewood, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham OBE and Olly
Murs, Alesha Dixon and Martin Compston highlighted where the vital money raised 
by Soccer Aid for UNICEF goes.

David Harewood also came onto the pitch at half time to galvanise the Etihad Stadium
crowd and ITV audience to donate in a special one-off moment as he spoke about his
experience seeing how the money raised changes children’s lives.

Robbie Williams, Soccer Aid for UNICEF co-founder, England Manager and UNICEF UK
Ambassador said:

> “I’m so proud to have been involved in another fantastic Soccer Aid for UNICEF
> and to have raised a record breaking amount of money. With fans back in the stadium
> for the match, the atmosphere was electric tonight. 15 years ago when the idea
> behind Soccer Aid for UNICEF was born, I could only dream of moments like tonight
> and another £13 million raised for children around the world is something I want
> to thank all of the public for.”

Steven Waugh, Interim Executive Director at the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF 
UK), said:

> “This year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has had its biggest challenge as the Covid crisis
> is making life for children in the world’s poorest countries even harder – the
> support of the UK public is vital, and I am so proud of what we have achieved 
> so far. When the final whistle blew this evening it might have meant the end of
> the game, but it’s really only the beginning for the children whose lives will
> be changed by the money raised tonight.”