Sam Thompson takes on his biggest challenge yet for Soccer Aid
He may have proved his strength with SAS soldiers and was crowned King of the Jungle, but Sam Thompson's about to take on his toughest mission yet... and it's all in aid of Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
Beginning on June 2 and finishing on June 6, Sam will need to run a marathon a day, as well as cycle, to ensure the the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball is delivered ahead of kick-off on Sunday June 15 from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford, this year's venue, more than 260 miles away!
Speaking about the upcoming challenge, Sam said, 'It's a complete honour, if I'm honest with you. I'm not a runner, I'm not an athlete. I go to the gym every now and then, but more for upper body, I don't think I've ever trained legs in my life.
'The most I've run is 8k and I haven't really been training for that long, so it's something that I'm very nervous for and I have nightmares about as I just don't want to let anyone down.'
He said the charity team feels like a 'family' to him and he was 'lucky enough' to visit Unicef-supported initiatives in Guatemala last month to see first-hand how funds raised are helping children.
He visited the Juego Limpio Fair Play football programme in Solola, giving children a safe space to play and learn through sport.
He also went to an early development Centre in Solola, providing toddlers with early education and a respite for parents doing all they can to provide for their families. He reflected on an encounter he had with a young girl there who since attending the centre exuded positivity despite the challenges her family faces living in poverty.
'There was this girl called Dany who was three years old. She was helping her mum do the laundry, she was taking my hand and saying 'come play with me',' he explained.
'She lived in an environment that no child should have to – she had a toy box and there were more cockroaches than toys in the toy box.
'It's so sad but also you see so much happiness.
Dr Philip Goodwin, chief executive officer for UNICEF UK, said: 'We're so proud of Sam for taking on this immense challenge raising funds for UNICEF – a first for the Soccer Aid for Unicef campaign and at a crucial time for children.
'All over the world, children are facing devastating crises – from cuts to global aid, relentless war and climate change to hunger and disease – threatening their lives, their childhoods and their right to play.'
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The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Sam Thompson left gobsmacked as he's surprised by huge Hollywood A-lister during his 260-mile endurance challenge
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Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
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Daily Mirror
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They can be purchased via the Soccer Aid website and come in an array of categories and prices. Soccer Aid ticketing categories start at Category 1, which will give fans a closer view of the action. Tickets are priced at £60 for adults and £50 for kids. This ranges up to Category 5, which includes seats that are a bit further away from the field, but they come at a cost of just £20 for adults and £10 for kids. Premium tickets are also available. What are the line-ups for Soccer Aid 2025? As Soccer Aid returns to the Red Devils' home, one of the club's most iconic players will take to his old hunting ground. Of the former professionals on offer, Wayne Rooney headlines as a player and manager. He will be joined by former team-mates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes for England. One Direction star Louis Tomlinson returns, as does Player of the Match 12 months ago, Steven Bartlett. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart makes his Soccer Aid debut. 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Bonucci's Italy prevailed via penalty shoot-out at Wembley four years ago, breaking English hearts. The notion that football was 'coming home' was squashed, and Bonucci couldn't help a quick jibe after the final whistle, grabbing a television camera and shouting: "It's coming to Rome." Aside from any ex-England internationals perhaps taking this to heart, Made In Chelsea star Thompson and singer Tomlinson may also need to put their differences aside. This is because the One Direction favourite is dating team-mate Thompson's ex, Love Island' s Zara McDermott. The loved-up pair went public with their relationship in March, just three months after it was reported that Thompson and McDermott had parted ways. A joke about a potential Soccer Aid rivalry on Thompson's Staying Relevant podcast was made by co-host Pete Wicks this month, who awkwardly asked his peer: "Any kind of people in there who you're looking forward to playing with [at Soccer Aid]?" The 32-year-old replied: "Loads. Tom Grennan. I'm really looking forward to playing alongside Wayne Rooney, Tyson Fury's the manager. I can't wait." Wicks then cheekily clapped back: "'I mean that's gonna be f*****g amazing. Make sure you get him (Fury) on side though because you may need him in your corner in case you fall out with anyone. Not that you will but just in case there's any rivalries or anything. All sorts gets brought up." Who won Soccer Aid in 2024? England were victorious in 2024 under Lampard. Joe Cole opened the scoring for the Three Lions after just six minutes, though Eden Hazard marked his return to Stamford Bridge, home of former club Chelsea, with an equaliser 10 minutes later. The World XI took the lead thanks to former Italy star Alessandro Del Piero, though Lioness Ellen White would level things up before the half, becoming the event's first-ever female goal scorer. After the half, eventual Player of the Match Bartlett bagged his first, and Defoe scored a fourth. Bartlett then added his second to make it 5-2, before Billy Wingrove converted a World XI penalty. A Theo Walcott finish ended the clash, however, and England will now be looking to tie the overall record this time around. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
