The unusual way Soccer Aid stars are bonding ahead of charity match
Celebrities and football legends join forces to raise vital funds for UNICEF with Old Trafford game
The Soccer Aid camp have been bonding over late night karaoke sessions. Celebrities including singer Tom Grennan, presenter Big Zuu and footballer Robbie Keane were on the mic until 11pm belting out hits as they got stuck into training at Champneys Tring.
Tom, 30, revealed: 'We've been singing all night." 'There were a few dancing queens last night,' chuckled Lioness Steph Houghton, 37. 'There was a bit of ABBA, everyone was having a great time.' Big Zuu, 29, said he got in on the action. 'I sang Senorita by Justin Timberlake,' he told. 'As soon as Robbie says it's time to sing, you're ready. Get a vocal ready. He is the life and soul of soccer. It really broke the ice on the first night.'
Coach Harry Redknapp, 78, said he left the team to it - and didn't bother imposing any strict curfew as he said they wouldn't listen to him. 'They definitely won't listen to me,' he laughed. 'I just go to bed and ignore it all the let them get on with it. And hope for the best in the morning. Everyone gets a bit excited.'
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 sees England taking on the Soccer Aid World XI FC in the world's biggest celebrity football match. Stars taking part include One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, explorer Bear Grylls, Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez and Gladiators favourite Diamond.
Denise Lewis says she's been pushed out of her comfort zone in her first year taking part in Soccer Aid. The retired Olympics athletics star says she's gained a newfound love for football and has even joined a local team.
'I'm representing the 52 year old women right now,' Denise says proudly. 'I'm a debutant and I've been retired for 100 years so this is all new territory for me. I'm trying to champion the mindset of trying something new, go out your comfort zone, do something different, and have fun with it.'
Having joined Penn & Tylers Green Football Club in the lead up to tomorrow, Denise said she's taken to the sport. 'I wasn't that girl who had the opportunity to play football in school,' she explained.
'It just didn't happen. And so I've only started kicking a ball, even with my boys, just the odd kick. I'm fit for purpose. It's nothing like when I was an elite athlete, but I definitely think I've been more mindful about why I exercise now in the last five years.'
This year, thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, every donation you make to Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be doubled – up to £5 million. It will take place tomorrow at Old Trafford, Manchester and will be shown live exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Donate to UNICEF ahead of the match at socceraid.org.uk/donate.
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