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Soccer Aid to return in September

‘Soccer Aid’ will return this September.

ITV recently confirmed the charity football match will be back this autumn, and the broadcaster has now revealed the game will take place at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium next month, and will be played behind closed doors.

The spectacle was initially due to be held on June 6th, but it has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Soccer Aid’ has raised more than £38 million for Unicef UK since the spectacle began in 2006, and the event generates funds to help kids get the best start in life.

This year’s match – which will see an England XI take on a World XI – will also help stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives.

Every £1 donated until 6 October 2020 will become £3, thanks to the UK government and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said: "The work of Unicef and the rest of the Vaccine Alliance keeping immunisation going in the world’s most vulnerable countries has never been more important.

"Covid-19 is disrupting vaccine programmes across the world, risking the resurgence of deadly diseases like measles and polio.

"That’s why this year’s ‘Soccer Aid for Unicef’ is so vital, raising funds to help us continue to protect children from deadly diseases.

"It will also help Gavi and Unicef ensure Covid-19 vaccines are available to the poorest countries. As long as this disease is circulating anywhere it remains a threat everywhere."

Jason Manford, Olly Murs and McFly’s Danny Jones are expected to be part of the line-up for this year’s ‘Soccer Aid’, with ITV set to confirm which stars will be taking to the field in due course.

‘Soccer Aid’ 2019 raised a record breaking £7.9 million.