Football fans are in for a treat as Jill Scott is set to become the first-ever female to captain England in this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF charity match. The game is scheduled for Sunday, June 11 at Old Trafford, where England will face World XI FC.
The game is expected to be a spectacle as the English team has been unable to secure a win against their counterparts since 2018.
What is Soccer Aid
Soccer Aid for UNICEF is an annual charity football match that raises money to support UNICEF’s vital work to help children around the world. The game features a mix of former professional footballers, celebrities, and influencers who come together to play in front of a huge audience, with all proceeds going towards UNICEF’s life-saving projects.
Since its inception in 2006, Soccer Aid has raised over £75m for UNICEF, including £15m for last year’s match at the London Stadium.
Jill Scott’s Accomplishments
Jill Scott is a former English professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Manchester City and the England national team. She is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of her generation, having won numerous individual awards and helped her teams to multiple titles throughout her career.
She won 161 caps for England and retired from football in August 2021. She was also a part of the England team that won the European Championship.
Scott has been on a winning streak recently after her successful stint on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and her victory in the European Championship last summer. Now, she’s aiming for “The Treble” by adding Soccer Aid for UNICEF to her list of accomplishments.
🔥🔥🔥
Jill Scott proving she’s still got it with this volley 🚀 pic.twitter.com/xbUUDxkBbM
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) March 4, 2023
Others Joining the Soccer Aid Matches
Scott will lead the charge alongside other former England internationals who will make their Soccer Aid debuts, including Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, and Jack Wilshere.
Also joining the English team are DJ Joel Corry and rapper and actor Bugzy Malone. Meanwhile, Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness will debut as a goalkeeper.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes and actress Vicky McClure will co-manage the English team, which includes Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Jermain Defoe, Eni Aluko, Sir Mo Farah, and Alex Brooker.
Meanwhile, eight-time Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt will captain the World XI again, with the former Republic of Ireland and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane serving as a coach for the team, and Lee Mack, Steven Bartlett, and Kem Cetinay among the players named so far.
Response to Announcement
Wilshere, who retired last year aged 30, is excited to be back on the pitch and urges people to buy tickets and show their support. “As a father to young children, taking part in this game has extra significance for me,” he said.
The event is not only a chance for fans to see their favorite players and celebrities but also for a good cause. Soccer Aid has been able to raise significant funds for UNICEF over the years, and this year’s match promises to be no different.
