Who Started Soccer Aid With Robbie Williams

Ever wondered who's behind the feel-good football extravaganza that is Soccer Aid? Let's dive into the story of how pop star turned philanthropist, Robbie Williams, started this beautiful game of giving.

Robbie's Big Idea

Picture this: 2006, Robbie Williams is at the height of his pop career, but he's got a new dream - to bring together the world's biggest football stars and raise money for UNICEF. He's not just singing about changing the world, he's actually doing it. So, he picks up the phone and gives his mate, Jonathan Wilkes, a call.

"Robbie said, 'I've got this idea, let's do a charity football match,'" Wilkes recalls. And thus, the seed for Soccer Aid was planted.

From Idea to Reality

Williams and Wilkes didn't just dream big, they thought big too. They envisioned a match that would pit an England team against a Rest of the World team, with legendary footballers and celebrities joining forces. They wanted to fill Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, and raise a fortune for UNICEF.

But they needed help. Enter Gordon Taylor, then chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association. "Robbie came to me with this idea, and I thought, 'This could be massive,'" Taylor says. And so, the Soccer Aid team was formed.

Celebrity Sign-ups

Williams and co. started making calls, and the stars began to align. Zinedine Zidane, Pelé, Maradona, Beckham - they all said yes. On the celebrity side, Williams roped in mates like Jonathan Ross, Paddy McGuinness, and even his mum, Jan. "She's not bad, actually," Williams laughs. "She's got a great tackle."

Soccer Aid Takes the Field

The first Soccer Aid match took place in 2006. Old Trafford was a sea of red and white, with over 69,000 fans cheering on their heroes. The Rest of the World team won 2-1, but the real winners were the 1.2 million children whose lives were changed by the £1.5 million raised for UNICEF.

Since then, Soccer Aid has become an annual event, raising over £40 million for UNICEF's vital work. It's not just about the money, though. It's about bringing people together, creating unforgettable memories, and inspiring a new generation to care about the world around them.

How You Can Get Involved

Fancy your chances at playing in Soccer Aid? Williams and co. are always on the lookout for new talent. "If you've got a great story, if you've raised a lot of money, if you're just a brilliant footballer, get in touch," Williams says. You never know, you could be lining up alongside your heroes next time around.

If you're not quite ready for the big leagues, you can still get involved. UNICEF has plenty of ways you can help, from fundraising to volunteering. And who knows, you might just find yourself on the Soccer Aid team one day.

Reflecting on Soccer Aid

Soccer Aid is more than just a football match. It's a testament to what can happen when people come together for a good cause. It's a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference, whether we're singing from the rooftops or just lending a helping hand.

So, the next time you're kicking a ball around with your mates, remember Robbie Williams and the Soccer Aid team. Remember that every kick, every goal, can be a step towards changing the world. And who knows, maybe one day, you'll be the one leading the team out at Old Trafford.