A brand-new charity match modelled on Soccer Aid will pit Merseyside stars against an international side, uniting figures from football, entertainment and music for a worthy cause.
The inaugural fixture is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at 4.45pm, hosted at Hill Dickinson stadium. It will see a Merseyside XI face a Rest of the World XI in support of Shelter and Everton in the Community, with proceeds directed towards addressing homelessness throughout the region and the wider country.
An impressive roster of football icons has already been secured for the opening edition of the competition.
Former Everton midfielder Peter Reid and ex-Liverpool winger John Barnes will share managerial duties for the Merseyside lineup, which features former Everton players Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry, Phil Jagielka, Yakubu and Joleon Lescott.
Joining them are beloved Liverpool alumni Robbie Fowler, David James, Ryan Babel, Jari Litmanen, John Aldridge and Louis Saha.
Celebrity supporters of both clubs will also take to the pitch, including Tony Bellew, John Bishop, James Nelson-Joyce, Molly McCann, Still Ryan and Big Zuu, all set to wear the team’s purple kit as a symbol of the entire city.
The opposing squad is equally formidable.
The Rest of the World lineup already includes Cafu, the Brazilian captain who lifted the World Cup, Champions League victors Clarence Seedorf and Jaap Stam, Dutch forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Moroccan icon Mustapha Hadji and England defender Des Walker, renowned for his Forest career.
Entertainment figures confirmed include Ted Lasso actors Toheeb Jimoh and Moe Hashim, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Johnny Nelson and Jack Fowler. Rapper Tinie Tempah will perform during the interval.
Women’s football will also have a presence, with seven-time Women’s Premier League champion Rachel Yankey and multi-talented footballer-singer Chelcee Grimes among those announced.
Additional legendary players, famous faces and special guests are anticipated to be revealed as the fixture approaches.
The match will form part of a full day of activities at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the Fan Plaza offering food, music and family-oriented entertainment before and after the game.
The event arrives as homelessness continues to present a significant challenge across the Liverpool City Region and Britain.
Over 1,600 young people in Liverpool presently lack stable housing, growing up in temporary settings without the security every child deserves.
On a single night, nearly 5,000 individuals were counted sleeping outdoors in Britain, marking the highest figure since records began and a 3% rise compared to the previous year. seeks to leverage football’s appeal to generate both funding and attention, supporting individuals and households either experiencing or vulnerable to homelessness.
Everton in the Community will contribute its local knowledge to the collaboration, while Shelter will offer assistance through its work supporting those affected by homelessness and advocating for housing rights.
Everton in the Community chief executive Sue Gregory stated the occasion would give the city a chance to set aside competitive feelings and unite for an important matter.
She stated homelessness represents one of the most pressing issues confronting neighbourhoods, and their operations across the Liverpool City Region demonstrate how it can impact people from every background.
She stated concerns the city collectively declaring that no individual should lack a safe and secure place to live.
She stated football possesses a remarkable capacity to bring people together and for one particular afternoon, they would shelve old disputes and channel that power to create meaningful change.
Shelter representative Lauren Thompson stated being a charity partner for was an honour.
She stated it would be an exciting occasion, all aimed at collecting essential funds to assist children and families dealing with homelessness.
Lester Holcombe, co-founder of LGNDS, stated the event would encompass far more than merely a legends match.
He stated it involved a tremendous collection of footballing icons, celebrities, entertainers and well-known personalities gathering to produce a true family celebration, while harnessing football’s influence and reach to highlight an exceptionally significant matter.
He stated there was something rather remarkable about Everton and Liverpool disregarding one of football’s great rivalries and joining as a single Merseyside side for this purpose.
Ticket information
Places can be purchased online from 10am on Wednesday, August 19.
Everton Season Ticket Holders will benefit from exclusive pricing, with grown-ups at £15 and under-16s at £10.
For general availability, adults will be charged £25, while those under 16 will pay £15.
Everton Premium Members will receive correspondence with details of their choices, with premium packages entering general sale from 10am on Friday, August 21 via Seat Unique.