Robbie Williams unites team of superstars for Soccer Aid at Old Trafford – more than £7.5million raised so far

SHOOTING STARS: Robbie joins stars

By Ian Silvera

Old Trafford and ITV will play host to Soccer Aid in support of UNICEF on Sunday.

Soccer Aid, transmitting live on ITV1 from 6pm, has raised more than £7.5 million pounds for UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation, since its inception in 2006.

The match brings together some of the biggest names in sport and showbiz to compete in two teams, England and Rest Of The World, for the chance to walk away with the coveted title of Soccer Aid Champion, 2012.

The brainchild of Robbie Williams, Jonathan Wilkes and UNICEF UK, this year’s main event will be hosted, live from Old Trafford, by Dermot O’Leary with Kirsty Gallacher reporting pitch side and Dave Berry as the roving crowd reporter.

Once again, Robbie Williams will captain the England team with Welsh movie star Michael Sheen leading the Rest of the World.

The World squad took away the trophy in 2010, winning a nerve jangling penalty shootout, but Robbie and the England team will definitely be looking to set the record straight and get their revenge.

UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams said: "Soccer Aid returns for the fourth time and with it a renewed sense of passion for this remarkable event that can help vulnerable children all around the world.”

The pop superstar added: “Soccer Aid this year will be bigger and better than ever because this time it's personal. Michael Sheen, I'm gunning for you son.”

Michael Sheen said that it is a great honour to be asked to captain the Rest of the World Team and a real privilege to work with UNICEF again.

The movie star added: “Mr. Williams will need more than 'Angels' on his side if he wants to get his grubby little fingers on our title."

Players for the star studded Rest of the World squad include Will Ferrell, Gerard Butler, Mike Myers, Woody Harrelson, Edward Norton, James McAvoy, Patrick Kielty, Sergio Pizzorno, Gordon Ramsay, Joe Calzaghe and professional players Hernan Crespo, Clarence Seedorf, Edwin van der Sar, Roy Keane, Freddie Ljungberg and Jaap Stam.

The team will be managed by legendary Scot, Kenny Dalglish.

The formidable England team will be captained by Robbie Williams, with Jason Isaacs,Mark Owen, Marvin Humes, Aston Merrygold, Olly Murs, John Bishop, Jonathan Wilkes, Ben Shephard, Jamie Theakston and Paddy McGuinness. Football heroes Teddy Sheringham, David Seaman, Kevin Phillips, Des Walker, Graeme Le Saux and Martin Keown will complete the squad.

For the first time Bradley Walsh takes on the role as coach and Sam Alladyce will manage the squad with Peter Reid assisting.

With a whole host of other famous faces still to be announced, Soccer Aid 2012 is gearing up to be another fantastic night of high drama.

Tickets are now on sale for fans to see their favourite superstars take to Old Trafford’s hallowed turf.

Money raised through profits from ticket sales and donations made by viewers during the match will go to UNICEF’s invaluable work helping children around the world.

Follow Soccer Aid on twitter @socceraid and use #socceraid.

Tickets are now on sale for Soccer Aid 2012, call 0161 444 2012 or visit www.itv.com/socceraid

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