Prime Minister joins Soccer Aid for UNICEF stars as they train for the 20th anniversary of the charity match
Immediate release
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London, 28 May 2026 – Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, today joined Soccer Aid for UNICEF players and celebrity talent at training week at Champneys Tring, as the campaign counts down to its 20th anniversary.
The Prime Minister was welcomed by UNICEF UK Ambassador, Tom Hiddleston and Soccer Aid for UNICEF celebrity supporter Sam Thompson, before meeting a group of this year’s players and coaching staff – including David Seaman – to celebrate two decades of the UK public coming together to raise money for children around the world. Soccer Aid for UNICEF will air live and exclusively from 5pm, on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player on Sunday 31st May.
Sir Keir, a lifelong football fan, was presented with an official personalised “Starmer 10” Soccer Aid shirt before joining Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 players on the pitch for a training session. The Prime Minister took part in training and scored a penalty against David Seaman.
Sophie Capleton, Director of Soccer Aid, said:
“We’re hugely grateful to the Prime Minister for his support for Soccer Aid for UNICEF. The UK government has a critical role to play in protecting and investing in the futures of children around the world as their childhoods are threatened by poverty, conflict, climate change, hunger and disease.
“Thanks to the generosity of the British public, money raised this year will help UNICEF deliver lifesaving support from water and food to healthcare and vaccinations at a particularly challenging time for the world’s children.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:
“It’s incredible to see how much has been donated to Soccer Aid with over £120 million raised so far supporting children all over the world.
“I have seen firsthand the power that sports can have in bringing people together for such a great cause.
“I wish both teams luck for the match on Sunday.”
Tom Hiddleston, UNICEF UK Ambassador, said:
“It was an honour to meet the Prime Minister today and an important moment to reflect on 20 years of Soccer Aid for UNICEF and the impact it has had for children around the world. In South Sudan, I saw first‑hand what UK aid can do – children receiving treatment for malnutrition, families reunited, and communities supported through incredibly difficult circumstances.
“UNICEF UK is asking the UK Government to prioritise children, so they are safe, healthy, and able to learn, grow and play. At a time like this, that support is more vital than ever.”
Since its launch in 2006, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised more than £121 million, helping to fund lifesaving and life-changing programmes for children around the world – from vaccines and nutrition to clean water and education. It is a powerful demonstration that the British public cares deeply about the future of children worldwide.
Notes to editors
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
UNICEF UK Media team at [email protected] or 0208 375 6030
About Soccer Aid for UNICEF
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 will take place on Sunday 31 May at the London Stadium and will be broadcast live exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Over the last 20 years, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has united millions of people and raised over £121 million to support UNICEF’s vital work helping children grow up safe, healthy and able to play.
Right now, children around the world are facing devastating crises – from global aid cuts, war and climate change to hunger and disease – threatening their childhoods and their right to play.
The money raised from this year’s campaign could help UNICEF provide life-changing support for a child, like clean water and nutrition, vital vaccinations, or the opportunity to learn, so every child can get the best start in life.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.
United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).
For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.