Owen Cooper to become youngest player in Soccer Aid history

On Tuesday, organisers confirmed that 16-year-old actor Owen Cooper will become the youngest player ever to take part in Soccer Aid when the charity fixture returns to the London Stadium on 31 May. The announcement marks a generational milestone in the event’s 20th anniversary year and underlines its continued ability to draw new audiences.

Cooper, who came to prominence in the Netflix drama Adolescence, said it was an honour to join the England squad despite having been born after the first Soccer Aid match was staged in 2006. He described the opportunity to step out at the east London venue as “incredibly proud” and said he was grateful to support a cause that raises funds to help children grow up safe and healthy.

Soccer Aid was co-founded by singer Robbie Williams and has grown into one of the UK’s most recognisable charity sporting events. The annual fixture combines former professional footballers with musicians, actors and broadcasters, with proceeds supporting the work of UNICEF UK.

Cooper will join internet personality Angry Ginge, former England captain Wayne Rooney and Williams himself as part of the England line-up. Among this year’s debutants are former rugby international Joe Marler, radio presenter Jordan North and television personality Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known to viewers as Gladiator Nitro.

Returning players include former Lioness Jill Scott, presenter Paddy McGuinness, singer Olly Murs and actor Tom Hiddleston. They will be joined by singer Tom Grennan and reality television personality Sam Thompson.

For the first time, Olympic champion Usain Bolt will manage the Soccer Aid World XI FC, returning to the stadium where he won gold medals during the London 2012 Games. His squad options include comedian Maisie Adam, rapper Big Zuu, Scottish actor Richard Gadd and presenter Alex Brooker.

England have won six times since the match began, while the World XI have secured eight victories. Last year’s fixture saw former Argentina striker Carlos Tevez score four goals in a 5–4 win for the Rest of the World side.

The match will be broadcast on ITV1, STV and ITVX. Further information about the fundraising work supported by the fixture is available via UNICEF UK.

As London prepares to host another high-profile charity event, the anniversary edition suggests the format continues to hold public appeal two decades after it began.

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[Image Credit | © Getty Images]

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