Actor Owen Cooper, aged 16, will become the youngest player to participate in Soccer Aid when he represents England at the London Stadium on May 31. The Adolescence star described the honour as “incredibly proud” and said he is a big fan of the charity event, which raises funds for Unicef.
Cooper joins a host of debutants including F1 star Damson Idris, internet personality GK Barry, former rugby player Joe Marler, Radio DJ Jordan North, and Gladiator Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey). Returning players include Jill Scott, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Grennan, and Sam Thompson.
The Soccer Aid World XI FC will feature Usain Bolt, Maisie Adam, Big Zuu, Richard Gadd, and Alex Brooker. Robbie Williams, co-founder of the event, will be part of England's management team. The match commemorates 60 years since England's 1966 World Cup win, with the team wearing the iconic white kit.
Broadcast live on ITV1, STV, and ITVX, the event will be hosted by Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott, with commentary from Sam Matterface. More participants and a 20th anniversary half-time show will be announced in the coming weeks.
