Soccer Aid is returning to Manchester this year with a fantastic line-up of famous faces. Among the celebrities taking to the pitch at Manchester United's Old Trafford on Sunday, June 11 is Tom Grennan.
It will be the singer's third time participating in Soccer Aid, after he was awarded Player of the Year for his contribution to 2022's game. Reprising his spot on Team England, Tom will be walking out onto the pitch alongside Scarlette Douglas, Jack Wilshere, Alex Brooker, Joel Corry, Bugzy Malone, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill and Lioness and team captain Jill Scott.
Hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott, the event raises money for UNICEF to help to disadvantaged children worldwide, and will see a whole host of celebrities and professional players go head-to-head in a 90-minute match in front of more than 74,000 fans. On his Soccer Aid return, Tom said: "I’m absolutely buzzing; just to be involved in Soccer Aid is an honour... It’s probably up there with the best time of the year - it’s going to be great."
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He added: "It gives me butterflies talking about it. The little kid in me is in disbelief really, but when you walk on to the pitch and see so many people there, it’s an amazing feeling. I can’t explain, apart from being in awe of it and wanting to do your best."
The 27-year-old made his debut at the Etihad Stadium in 2021, and returned in 2022 at the London Stadium. As a Manchester United fan, he is particularly excited to be taking to the pitch at Old Trafford this summer.
Tom reminisced on visiting the iconic stadium as a child, telling the Manchester Evening News: "I remember going to Old Trafford when I was about six or seven years old and going on one of those tours around the stadium. The part of the tour where you go down the tunnel and get a picture, I remember saying to myself: 'oh my gosh, I’m going to do this.'"
He continued: "Obviously it never happened, but I feel like when the day comes I’ll go back to that time and just say: 'Oh my god I’m here to walk on to a pitch with a sold-out crowd'. Crazy!"
Tom had an eventful game last year; he wowed with his impressive football skills and won the coveted Player of the Match award. But disaster struck when he tore a ligament in his ankle after Manchester United legend Patrice Evra 'clamped' him on the pitch.
The injury meant Tom had to wear a medical boot for weeks, sporting it while playing festivals across the country. He said: "After [the injury] happened, Soccer Aid really looked after me and got me back on my feet so I’m ready to go, fully fit".
After winning his accolade last year, is the pressure on for Tom this year? He said: "I feel like I’ve got to keep practising and get my skills back. I haven’t played any football recently. But pressure? Not really, I know what I’ve got in the locker so I’m alright."
The Three Lions have not won a Soccer Aid for UNICEF match since 2018, losing last year's game on penalties. The final score was 4-1 to World XI. But Tom is confident Team England can pull it off for 2023.
"We have to!" he said. "We got unlucky last year, we should have won...It definitely needs to come home. We’ve got Jill Scott on the squad and she knows what it’s like to bring it home - and how to bring it home - so we’re in good hands."
On taking part in the football charity match, he added: "Being able to see the work that Soccer Aid do, their stories, how we’re helping is amazing. The whole week is unbelievable."
It will be a busy summer for Tom, who is currently embarking on his first ever arena tour. The singer is also set to release his third studio album, What Ifs and Maybes, just three days before Soccer Aid takes place.
"It’s an exciting time," Tom said. "The album is all about taking risks.... [and showing people]: 'Wow, I can do what I want to do and if I put my mind to it, with a little bit of spontaneity, anything’s possible.'"
The game will air live and exclusively on ITV, STV and ITVX.
Tickets to attend the game are on sale now via www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets with a family of four able to attend for just £60.
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