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Owen Cooper, star of the Netflix drama Adolescence, is set to make history at this year’s Soccer Aid, becoming the youngest player ever to participate in the charity football event. The 16-year-old actor will join the England squad for the match at the London Stadium on 31 May, raising vital funds for Unicef.
Despite not being born when the inaugural Soccer Aid took place, Cooper expressed his enthusiasm for the fundraising initiative. "I’m incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for Unicef in its 20th anniversary year," he said. "Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I’m excited to step out at the London Stadium on May 31. This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I’m grateful to be part of such an important cause."
Cooper, who also featured in a film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, shot to prominence following his breakout role in Adolescence. He is among several new faces making their debut for England, including actor Damson Idris, internet personality GK Barry, former rugby player Joe Marler, Radio DJ Jordan North, and Gladiator Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Marler, referencing his recent appearance on Celebrity Traitors, quipped that he would be "faithful" to the "amazing cause" as he trades the rugby pitch for the football field. North, 36, admitted he was "privileged, excited and slightly terrified" to participate, while Aikines-Aryeetey described it as a "dream come true".
They will be joined by returning England stalwarts such as former England footballer Jill Scott, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, singer Olly Murs, and actor Tom Hiddleston, alongside singer-songwriter Tom Grennan and reality TV star Sam Thompson.
The Soccer Aid World XI FC will feature Olympic runner Usain Bolt, comedian Maisie Adam, rapper Big Zuu, Scottish actor Richard Gadd, and The Last Leg’s Alex Brooker.
Music star Robbie Williams, who co-founded the concept, will also return to the pitch and join this year’s England management team.
England has secured six victories since the games began in 2006, while the Soccer Aid World XI FC boasts eight wins.
This year’s event will be hosted by Unicef UK ambassador and This Morning presenter Dermot O’Leary, joined by sports presenter and former footballer Alex Scott. Broadcaster Sam Matterface will return as commentator.
To commemorate 60 years since England’s World Cup triumph, the England team will wear the iconic white home kit from the 1966 match, while the Soccer Aid World XI FC will sport a bespoke Adidas kit. The game will also be played with the same footballs set to be used in this summer’s World Cup.
Further celebrity participants and a special 20th-anniversary half-time entertainment show are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Soccer Aid will be broadcast live on ITV1, STV, and ITVX on 31 May.