Soccer Aid has raised its highest sum ever for Unicef UK, despite being held behind closed doors.
The match took place last night at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s stadium, without any spectators, after being initially postponed from 6 June. It raised £11.5m in total, up from last year’s £7.9m.
It was the first time Unicef had a double match-funding programme in place for the event – with both the Department for International Development, through its UK Aid Match programme, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, matching public donations pound-per-pound up to £3m.
Supporters who had tickets for the original match were automatically refunded, but also encouraged to donate the price of their tickets to Unicef UK.
Money raised through the event has gone towards the charity’s coronavirus appeal, Save Generation Covid, to support vulnerable children during the pandemic.
Soccer Aid launched in 2006 and has raised almost £50m for the charity since.
The match was broadcast live on ITV and STV. An England team captained by pop star Olly Murs competed with the Soccer Aid World XI team led by Mo Gilligan. The World XI team won on penalties after the match finished 1-1.
Viewers were also shown films on the impact of Unicef’s work, fronted by Unicef supporters and ambassadors including James Nesbitt and Robbie Williams.
‘Unprecedented circumstances’
Sacha Deshmukh, executive director of Unicef UK, said: “Coronavirus is the biggest global crisis for vulnerable children and families since the Second World War. A whole generation is at risk and we need the public’s support now more than ever to help stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives.
“This year, Soccer Aid for Unicef took place in unprecedented circumstances, but I am extremely proud of what we have achieved, and I am grateful to everyone that has made this year’s game possible and everyone who joined us watching from home. Football has the power to unite people and change lives, and Soccer Aid for Unicef is testament to that. Thank you so much for your support.”
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