Soccer Aid for UNICEF announces pureplay AO as partner ahead of Old Trafford charity match
Online electrical retailer AO has been announced as one of the principal sponsors of Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023, which takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday 11th June, and will be broadcast exclusively on ITV and STV.
Tickets for the game are on sale now with a family of four able to attend for £60 – two adults and two children.
AO will be giving away branded thunder sticks outside the stadium to help fans bring the noise throughout the showcase match.
The official AO mascot – Bear – will be there to meet everyone as they arrive and fans will also be able to take part in a fun football challenge, getting the chance to try and beat a high score set by Soccer Aid stars.
In the lead-up to the big game, AO will be running competitions for the chance to win prizes such as a VIP experience and signed merchandise. Further details will be announced on the retailer’s official social media channels in the coming days.
Vicky Monk, Group Marketing Director at AO, says: “We are proud to be the UK’s most trusted major electricals retailer and this sponsorship represents another fantastic investment for our brand, as well as a chance to support a great cause.”
“Our AO thunder sticks always help create an electric atmosphere at matches played by our other sponsorship partners Manchester Thunder and Sale Sharks, so I can’t wait to see tens of thousands of them inside Old Trafford on 11th June.”
“Soccer Aid for UNICEF is always an amazing event and one that is perfect for the whole family. Having Bear there to greet people as they get to the ground will be brilliant start to what is sure to be a day to truly remember.”
Kenneth Shepherd, Executive Director at Soccer Aid Productions, says: “Soccer Aid for UNICEF is delighted to welcome renowned electricals retailer AO as a principal partner for our 2023 campaign.”
“We are excited to work with a brand trusted by so many people. Their plans for the game this year will add to the family atmosphere that is always created at our matches. Furthermore, AO’s generosity helps us to raise vital funds for UNICEF and to increase global awareness of our event.”
This year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be the 12th since it launched in 2006 and is the first time since 2018 that it will be played in front of a crowd at Old Trafford. As is the case every year, an England team made up of footballing legends and celebrities will take on the Soccer Aid World XI FC.
Lionesses’ Euro 2022 winner, Jill Scott, will lead the England team out, as she makes her debut alongside fellow newcomers Danny Dyer, Jack Wilshere, Joel Corry, Bugzy Malone, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, as well as Tommy Fury – who will represent the World XI.
They are joined by familiar Soccer Aid faces, including World XI captain Usain Bolt, Liam Payne, Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, and Sir Mo Farah.
Rapper Stormzy will manage England, alongside Harry Redknapp, Emma Hayes, and Vicky McClure, who will face off against Line of Duty co-star and Rest of the World coach Martin Compston. The Scottish actor will be joined in the dugout by former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and footballing legend Robbie Keane.
Dermot O’Leary and Lionesses legend Alex Scott will be on presenting duties
Since 2006, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £75 million to help give children all over the world a childhood full of play. Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2022 raised a record breaking £15.6 million.
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