
Coleen Rooney says Unicef support for Ukrainian families is a ‘lifeline'
The media personality recently travelled to Poland with Unicef to see how Soccer Aid donations have directly supported Ukrainian families who were forced to flee their homes.
The 39-year-old said she could not 'imagine' what Ukrainian refugee families must be going through, emphasising how important it is to stand with them.
Coleen Rooney, right, talks to Yuliia Karpenko in a park near Krakow main train station (Unicef/Brykczynski/PA)
She said: 'I can relate to being a mum and the first thing (you would do) in that situation is to get out of danger, to make sure that the kids are OK and we can find somewhere.
'I couldn't imagine what was going through their heads… the emotions.'
While in Krakow she visited the Spilno Hub, which helps families find accommodation and offers access to a range of services such as psychosocial support and legal assistance.
The Unicef-run centre has helped people such as Yuliia Karpenko, her sister Olisia and Yuliia's four-year-old daughter Anastasiia 'Nastia' who were forced to flee Ukraine with just one bag on an evacuation train.
She said: 'Hearing about the lasting effect the war in Ukraine has had on Yuliia and her family will stay with me for a long time.
'Her determination to create a safe and supportive community for her family in Poland really shone through.
'Thanks to Unicef, she's been able to meet other mums, learn Polish and find work in a kitchen.
'And her daughter, Nastia, has been able to make friends with other children and spend time playing, just as any four-year-old should.
Coleen Rooney with children and workers of the Sun Centre during classes (Unicef/Brykczynski/PA)
'It was a privilege meeting Yuliia and her family and to see how money raised by Soccer Aid for Unicef really is changing lives.
'Leaving their home and not knowing when they'll be able to return was so hard for them.
'But spending time at the Spilno Hub has helped them to feel safe.
'It supports families who've fled the war in Ukraine in so many ways.
'It's a very special place.'
During the trip, Rooney visited the Education Rehabilitation Centre, a specialist school funded by the children's organisation which supports young people with disabilities.
There she met a young autistic boy, Murat, who could not talk when they first left Ukraine and has since been able to say a few words.
She said: 'It's such a calming place and the teachers there are so supportive and caring.
Coleen Rooney (right) with Murat during a sensory therapy class (Unicef/Brykczynski/PA)
'Kateryna (Murat's mother) told me that the changes she's seen in Murat have been incredible.
'When they left Ukraine he wasn't able to talk but he's now started to say some words and can communicate with other children too.
'She said that when they arrived in Poland she felt hopeless but, thanks to Unicef, she can now see a future there for them.'
Donations made to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be doubled this year up to £5 million thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation.
Rooney said: 'As a mum myself, I couldn't help but think of my own boys when I met children like Nastia and Murat.
'Seeing them smile and play despite everything they've been through was incredibly moving.
'Hearing their stories really reminded me how important it is that we stand with families who've been through so much, every child deserves a safe space to play – as a parent this is all you want for your child.'
To donate to Soccer Aid for Unicef and support children around the world, visit socceraid.org.uk/donate.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Sam Thompson cries ahead of Soccer Aid with ex Zara's new love Louis Tomlinson
Sam Thompson gets emotional ahead of Soccer Aid which will see him play on the same team as ex-love Zara McDermott's new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson Playing with their football heroes is a dream come true for the stars taking part in Soccer Aid – but raising money for UNICEF is the real prize for stars including Sam Thompson and Louis Tomlinson. Since singer Robbie Williams created the event in 2006, over £106 million has been raised. This year's match takes place at Old Trafford and will see Wayne Rooney playing for England alongside his former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, plus Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan. Joining them is a cool crew of celebs including Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek and Tom Grennan. While the World XI team includes Richard Gadd, Edwin van der Sar, Martin Compston and Tony Bellew. Sam has got a dual role: as well as playing on the pitch, he's also been running and cycling 260 miles to hand-deliver the ball to Old Trafford and raise more money in a challenge called Matchball Mission for Unicef. 'One of the most special things about Soccer Aid for UNICEF is the togetherness that it brings out,' says Sam, 32. 'I'll never forget being sat at that training dinner table watching the television screens of UNICEF's great work. People were shedding tears – everyone's in it together. When we realised we'd helped to raise a record milestone of over £100 million since the game first began, the cheer that went up was bigger than the cheer of winning the actual game, which I think is quite telling.' Tears also played a part when Sam crossed the finish line on Friday as he delivered the match ball to Old Trafford and got a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Kier Starmer. He told the Mirror it's 'mad' that the Prime Minister said he was 'inspiring'. "I can't believe the prime minister knows my name," Sam said. 'I'm on double codeine and paracetamol… I am not going to lie, it hurts a lot," Sam admitted as he walked to a nearby hotel. The 32 year old, who has already raised over £1.5 million from the challenge, confessed: "I am totally broken - but so happy . The fact this challenge has grabbed everyone's attention is just so incredible and I have just been blown away!" And yesterday he was crying again on This Morning yesterday as he recalled the feat, telling Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: 'I've gotto stop crying! You're making me so emotional, so many tears man.' Soccer Aid host Dermot O'Leary is also returning and says half-time is his favourite part of the match because he gets to play pundit. 'You have these special moments, it's a laugh and you're watching a game of football and you're seeing goals,' says the 52-year-old. Former One Direction star Louis lists playing with Ronaldinho as one of his greatest Soccer Aid memories, but for Jill, it's buddying up with Football Factory star Danny Dyer that makes her day. 'He's my type of player,' grins Jill, 38. 'Strong tackles, probably swears a little bit too much, but I love that passion and football aggression!'


Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Telegraph
Soccer Aid 2025: When is it, team lineups and how to watch on TV
An England team will play a World XI as Soccer Aid returns this summer, marking the 14th edition of the celebrity charity match. Household names and football legends will take to the pitch once again to raise money for Unicef. Founded in 2006 by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, Soccer Aid has raised more than £100 million for good causes so far. England have just one Soccer Aid win in six years but come in this year as reigning champions. When is Soccer Aid? Soccer Aid will take place on Sunday, June 15 and will kick off at 7:30pm for viewers in the UK. Where is it taking place? Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, plays host for the ninth time. The theatre of dreams held the first Soccer Aid in 2006 – and notably in 2020, when the contest was played behind closed doors due to the Covid pandemic. This time, more than 70,000 fans are expected to attend. Where can I watch Soccer Aid on TV? The match will be aired on ITV1 and STV in the UK and is also available to stream on ITVX. England squad Steven Bartlett The entrepreneur and Dragon's Den star supports Manchester United and has featured in numerous Soccer Aid contests before. He scored twice for England in their 6-3 win last year. Alex Brooker Channel 4 presenter has featured in Soccer Aid matches before. An Arsenal fan, Brooker has a touch that is to be admired. Jermain Defoe Former England and Tottenham striker with 162 Premier League goals to his name. The World XI defence will have their hands full managing the 42-year-old. Toni Duggan A former Lioness who plays in attack, she only retired from playing last year, aged 33 while at Everton. She will be a sharp threat on the wing. Angry Ginge YouTube personality and diehard Manchester United supporter. He played a strong game at centre-back in the Sidemen charity match in March. Tom Grennan Musician whose career started at Aston Villa's academy before being released. The Coventry City supporter has featured in Soccer Aid before, having scored a well-taken goal in 2022. Bear Grylls TV personality and survival expert who has admitted to having limited football skill. Getting through his first-ever Soccer Aid among professional footballers might be the biggest test of Grylls's survival skills yet. Joe Hart Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper will make his first appearance at Soccer Aid after retiring from professional football in 2024. Steph Houghton Recently retired England centre-back and captain, she makes her Soccer Aid debut this year. Aaron Lennon Former Tottenham and England midfielder will be making his first Soccer Aid appearance. He retired from professional football in 2022. Dame Denise Lewis Olympic gold medallist who specialised in the heptathlon. The 52-year-old Arsenal supporter will be looking to win another medal against the World XI. Paddy McGuinness A comedian and actor who has made numerous appearances at Soccer Aid, slowly regressing to the position of goalkeeper over the years. The Bolton Wanderers fan will be looking to keep his place despite the arrival of Joe Hart. Sir Mo Farah Olympic gold medallist in long-distance running – he will give the World XI a run for their money. Farah is also an Arsenal fan – he even dreamed of playing on the wing for the Gunners in his childhood. Gary Neville Former Manchester United and England right-back, now a football presenter on Sky Sports. Neville will play again at Soccer Aid after missing out last year. Sam Quek Former hockey player and TV presenter is back for a second year. Liverpool supporter Quek says one of her sporting heroes is Ian Rush. Wayne Rooney The former England and Manchester United forward will act as a player-manager as he takes to the pitch at Old Trafford once again. Paul Scholes Another former England and Manchester United midfielder who has featured in Soccer Aid before, scoring a screamer in 2023. Jill Scott Scott will be England's captain once again this year, the former Lioness will do her best to lead the hosts to two consecutive wins. Sam Thompson The 2024 champion of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here is a former Made in Chelsea star who supports… Chelsea. Louis Tomlinson Former member of the band One Direction – he played for his childhood club Doncaster Rovers back in 2014 and at Soccer Aid. Vicky McClure An actress known for her role in Line of Duty, McClure passionately supports Notts County, who recently fell short in the League Two play-off semi-finals. Managers Wayne Rooney, Harry Redknapp and Tyson Fury will manage England. Expect the technical area to become crowded. World XI squad Tony Bellew Former professional boxer, who supports Everton, is back for another edition of Soccer Aid. Leonardo Bonucci Former Italy footballer who played for AC Milan and Juventus. He will be looking to get another trophy against England having beaten them at Wembley in the European Championship final in 2021. Tobi Brown Star of YouTube group the Sidemen. Brown – or TBJZL as he is known online – is a Manchester United supporter making his debut appearance at Soccer Aid. His Sidemen counterpart Simon Minter made an appearance in 2024. Martin Compston Former professional footballer and actor, Compton is known for his role in Line of Duty. The lifelong Celtic supporter has featured in previous editions of Soccer Aid. Richard Gadd Actor and writer known for his part in creating the Netflix hit series Baby Reindeer. Gadd is an avid supporter of Dundee United. He is making his debut for the World XI. Bryan Habana Former rugby star is best known for guiding South Africa to 2007 World Cup glory. The Soccer Aid debutant grew up wanting to be a Manchester United player after being named after iconic captain Bryan Robson. Dermot Kennedy Irish singer-songwriter will provide the half-time performance at this year's Soccer Aid. Kennedy played in the 2020 game and was crowned man of the match. Kaylyn Kyle Kyle is Canadian Olympic football bronze medallist turned broadcaster and analyst for Apple TV for Major League Soccer. This will be her third appearance in a row. Gorka Márquez The Spaniard became a household name after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing as a professional. His actress-wife Gemma Atkinson is an ambassador for the English opposition. Nadia Nadim Afghanistan-born, Nadim took up football while in a refugee camp in Denmark and went on to have a stellar career including playing for Manchester City and representing Denmark. By playing in Soccer Aid she hopes to represent women who do not have a voice. Livi Sheldon Diamond, a star of hit TV gameshow Gladiators, is taking the pitch for World XI for the second year running. Sheldon was a midfielder for Worcester City before turning her focus to body building. Edwin van der Sar The World XI add a Champions League winner to their repertoire, the former Dutch goalkeeper is renowned for his speciality of 'making a stretch in a stretch' when flying in the air. It is the third time Van der Sar has participated in Soccer Aid, having played in 2012 and 2014. Nemanja Vidic The Serbian centre-back is best known for his time at Manchester United, where he won 15 trophies for the club. Vidic returns to Old Trafford but this time to star for the World XI. Harry Kewell Widely regarded as Australia's greatest international footballer, the former Liverpool forward will look to help the World XI reclaim the trophy. Big Zuu The multi-talented YouTube star, who supports Liverpool, is taking the field in support of Soccer Aid again following his appearance in 2021. Noah Beck The American actor shot to fame through his TikTok content and dances. His talents also include football and in 2019 he played in midfield for Portland Pilots men's soccer team. Carlos Tevez A dynamic forward in his prime, Tevez is a former Argentina international and Premier League star. He will link up with the World XI squad. Billy Wingrove One of the world's top football freestylers, the soccer skills coach and football choreographer is back to help the World XI take back the crown. Perhaps skills practice sessions led by Wingrove would not go amiss. Robbie Keane The former Republic of Ireland captain and current coach is an undisputed and regular soccer aid legend. Manager: Peter Schmeichel MBE The former Denmark goalkeeper and Manchester United legend will be in charge of the World XI, with his staff yet to be confirmed. Match tickets Tickets are available on the Soccer Aid website ranging from £10.50 for children to £94.50 for those after a padded-seat experience. Head-to-head record England wins: 6 World XI wins: 7 England beat World XI 6-3 at Stamford Bridge last year – but World XI had won five times in a row before that. If England win they will draw level on overall wins for the first time since 2021.


The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Michael Carrick lands new job just days after Middlesbrough axe with John O'Shea to join Man Utd legend
MICHAEL CARRICK has landed a new role just days after being sacked by Middlesbrough. The former Manchester United star was fired after guiding Boro to 10th place last season. 2 2 He lasted two-and-a-half years at Middlesbrough, his first managerial job, but is now out of work. However Carrick has now taken on a new job with the former midfielder set to appear at Soccer Aid. Carrick, 43, has been announced as the latest player to sign up to the charity event alongside his former United team-mate, John O'Shea. But this time around they will be on opposing teams at Old Trafford, with Carrick playing for England and O'Shea representing the Rest of the World. Soccer Aid takes place on Sunday June 15 and will feature A-list celebrities and football legends. Pop stars Louis Tomlinson and Tom Grennan Tyson Fury, Sir Mo Farah and former hockey star Sam Quek. While former footballers include Wayne Rooney and Jill Scott. However Sam Thompson has revealed his Soccer Aid appearance is hanging in the balance as he continues to recover from his gruelling charity run. The I'm A Celeb king, 34, raised more than £1.5m for Unicef by running and biking 260 miles from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, to Old Trafford, Manchester, where the game will be played at the weekend. His body is now feeling the effects, with Thompson saying: "I am so tired but elated. I'm so glad we got it done… Sam Thompson reveals Soccer Aid appearance is hanging by a thread - and horrifying after-effects of 260 mile bike ride "Never again [am I getting on a bike] I think I'm prone to saddle issues! After day one I still to this point can't feel bits of my privates. I'm being deadly serious! "The bike is a wild thing, Tracey who was with me going up these hills when we were skirting round the edge of Wales, that was mad and you're just going so slowly and you feel like your bike is going to topple over! I did think to myself this is the first time I've ridden a bike in so long."