Owen Cooper makes history joining Robbie Williams and Angry Ginge for Soccer Aid
Adolescence star Owen Cooper is set to become the youngest ever player to participate in Soccer Aid.
The award-winning actor, 16, will join the likes of Angry Ginge, Wayne Rooney and Robbie Williams as part of the England team.
Discussing what an ‘honour’ it is to be taking part, Owen said that even though he was not born when the first Soccer Aid took place he is a ‘big fan’ of the fundraising event.
He will also join a number of other debutants who will play at the London Stadium in May to raise money for Unicef, including F1 star Damson Idris and internet personality GK Barry.
Discussing the match, Cooper said: ‘I’m incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for Unicef in its 20th anniversary year.
‘I wasn’t even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I’m a big fan! Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I’m excited to step out at the London Stadium on May 31.
‘This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I’m grateful to be part of such an important cause.’
The actor, who most recently featured in Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of the Emily Bronte classic Wuthering Heights, shot to fame following his breakout role in the Netflix drama Adolescence starring Stephen Graham.
Also among the debutants this year are former rugby player Joe Marler, Radio DJ Jordan North and Gladiator Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Referencing his stint on the Celebrity Traitors, Marler joked that he will be ‘faithful’ to an ‘amazing cause’ when he swaps rugby for football.
North, 36, also revealed that he was ‘privileged, excited and slightly terrified’ to take part, while TV personality Aikines-Aryeetey described it as a ‘dream come true’.
Those returning to Soccer Aid to play in the England team include former England footballer Jill Scott, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, singer Olly Murs and actor Tom Hiddleston.
They will be joined by singer-songwriter Tom Grennan and reality TV star Sam Thompson.
For the first time ever, Olympic runner Usain Bolt will also be managing the Soccer Aid World XI FC when he returns to the scene of his 2012 London Olympics gold rush.
Comedian Maisie Adam, rapper Big Zuu, Scottish actor Richard Gadd and The Last Leg’s Alex Brooker will be among the stars he can choose from.
Music star Robbie Williams, who co-founded the concept which raises money for children around the world, will also return to the pitch and be a part of this year’s England management team.
England have won six times since the games began in 2006, while the Soccer Aid World XI FC have won eight.
This year’s show will be hosted by Unicef UK ambassador and This Morning presenter Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined by sports presenter and former footballer Alex Scott, while broadcaster Sam Matterface returns as commentator.
To commemorate 60 years since England won the World Cup, the team will take to the pitch in the white home kit from the 1966 match, while the Soccer Aid World XI FC will wear a bespoke Adidas kit.
Last time around, things got slightly heated when former Manchester United and Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez scored four goals in a 5-4 win for the Rest of the World side over England.
The Argentinian seemed happy to wind up the Manchester crowd and the I’m A Celebrity winner Angry Ginge, who had some choice words for the Argentinian on social media after the game.
Angry Ginge looked put in a heavy challenge on the forward, but was left with a painful injury himself.
Soccer Aid will be broadcast on ITV1, STV and ITVX on May 31.
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