ITV are keen to ensure our viewers understand our appeals and why we work in partnership with charities. Please find below some frequently asked questions regarding Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
What is Soccer Aid for UNICEF?
Soccer Aid for UNICEF is an entertainment-led charity campaign, culminating in the world’s biggest celebrity football match featuring two teams of professional and celebrity players, broadcast live on ITV1, STV and ITVX on Sunday 15th June 2025 at Old Trafford, Manchester. Soccer Aid for UNICEF aims to raise millions of pounds to support UNICEF’s vital work around the world helping children get the best start in life. Since the first game in 2006, more than £106 million has been raised by Soccer Aid to support UNICEF in its ambition to reach more children than any other humanitarian organisation. In 190 countries around the world, we have used our experience to help give millions of children the chance to enjoy a carefree, play-filled childhood. We are so proud of this and can’t wait to make it happen for millions more.
When is Soccer Aid for UNICEF?
This year, the match will be held at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday 15th June. The game will be broadcast live on ITV1, STV and ITVX. Timings will be announced closer to the date of transmission.
Who is UNICEF?
UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation for children. They work with families, local communities, organisations and governments in more than 190 countries to help create a better world for every child.UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, reaching the furthest from help, the most disadvantaged and the most at risk. They help provide more children with clean water, life-saving food and vaccines, access to education and protection from violence than any other humanitarian organisation.
How does Soccer Aid raise funds for UNICEF?
Soccer Aid for UNICEF is bringing millions of us together with one goal: to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play. Play is how children learn and develop. But around the world, conflict, hunger and disease are holding children back. The money we raise could help provide food, healthcare and crisis support – to protect play for every child.
Where does the money go?
All money raised by Soccer Aid for UNICEF will go into an unrestricted fundraising pot which is distributed to those countries around the world where the need for vulnerable children and those in danger is the greatest.
For children, life is all about play. It’s how they learn, explore and build relationships. But children can’t play freely when they’re living in a conflict zone. Or when they’re sick from hunger, fighting disease or left homeless by disaster.
That’s why Soccer Aid for UNICEF is raising money to help provide life-changing support for children around the world. Your donation could help UNICEF work with families, communities, and trusted partners to provide healthcare, clean water and vital vaccinations. It could help ensure children have safe spaces to play and learn, so they can have the best start in life.
For example:
● £10 could help vaccinate over 50 children against the deadly and devastating diseases, with life-long protection
● £20 could buy exercise books for 80 children to help them learn and enjoy school
● £30 could buy a fleecy, thermal blanket to help keep six babies snug and warm in a hospital, day-care centre or during an emergency.
● £40 could provide enough life-saving therapeutic food for three children for one week.
Together, we’re protecting play for every child.
Why does ITV support Soccer Aid for UNICEF?
ITV entertains and connects with millions of people in the UK and globally, reflecting and shaping culture and building brands with brilliant content and creativity.
Reflecting and shaping the world we live in gives us a great opportunity: to change ITV for the better, and to use our content and reach to inspire positive change in the wider world.
We have four focus areas: Mental Wellbeing, Climate Action, Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Better Futures. By supporting children internationally through Soccer Aid for UNICEF, this is our main fundraising appeal within Better Futures.
How does ITV make sure that donations are used appropriately?
Transparency in how your donations will be used by charities is of paramount importance. ITV is committed to ensuring that the money that has been generously donated by our viewers goes directly towards projects that have a real and tangible impact on people’s lives both in the UK and overseas. 100% of the donations made by viewers during our on-air campaigns and appeals like Soccer Aid for UNICEF goes directly to beneficiary charities.
All donations to Soccer Aid will go to UNICEF to help fund their vital work across the world. To find out further details about how UNICEF use your donations on their vital projects please visit www.socceraid.org.uk
Are viewers able to text FIVE to donate five pounds?
We are not accepting £5 donations by text. If you want to donate by text, you can donate £40, £30, £20 or £10 by texting FORTY, THIRTY, TWENTY or TEN to 70818.
Texts cost £40, £30, £20 or £10 (depending on the chosen donation amount), plus one standard rate message. If you wish to donate £5, please donate online or phone 0330 123 4442. Standard geographical charges apply from landlines and mobiles. Connection charges may also apply. You must be 16 or over to donate.
When can I donate money to Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025?
Donations open on Wednesday 30 April 2025 at midday. All donation routes close on Tuesday 15 July 2025 at midday. For more information, please click here to see the full terms and conditions.
Will Soccer Aid for UNICEF be shown on TV?
Yes, you can watch Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 on ITV1, STV and ITVX.