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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Vernon Kay, Mel C and Emeli Sande unite to raise funds for football initiative

Vernon Kay, Spice Girl Mel C and Emeli Sande will come together later this year, to help raise funds for a charitable initiative called Football For Change.

The celebrity trio will all give up their time to host and perform at a star-studded gala dinner in Manchester in September, following in the footsteps of Sir Rod Stewart who performed at the organisation's inaugural gala launch in November 2021.

In addition to Vernon, Mel, Emeli and major sports stars headlining the star-studded line-up later this year, Football For Change bosses have mysteriously teased "a major global icon" will be making a very special appearance on stage this September.

Sporty Spice Mel C will also be on stage in Manchester to help raise funds for the initiative (WireImage)

Speaking regarding her involvement in the groundbreaking initiative, Emeli - who recently opened up about her relationship with girlfriend Yoana - said she was "honoured" to play a part of Football For Change's latest fundraising event.

Liverpool footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold and his England teammate Conor Coady launched the social mobility movement initiative - co-chaired by Reds legend Jamie Carragher - last year.

During one of their gala dinners in Liverpool last year, Sir Rod surprised guests at the Titanic Hotel with impromptu performance on stage - before going on to help raise £250,000 in vital funds for the good cause.

Sir Rod Stewart on stage with Russel Howard, Jamie Carragher and Dominic Calvert Lewin last year (Gavin Trafford)

"Football For Change is an incredible initiative and so when I was asked to be part of this special event I immediately said yes," singer Emeli has stated ahead of the organisation's latest star-studded gala.

"I am looking forward to performing and giving my support to the football players involved including Trent Alexander Arnold and Jamie Carragher. It is a really worthwhile cause and I am proud to be involved."

Hosted by TV favourite Vernon Kay, the gala dinner will see My Kind of Love songstress Emeli entertain crowds with Spice Girl Mel C also taking to the stage, while a Q&A is also set to take place with two football superstars.

Footballers, past and present, launching the groundbreaking initiative last year (Jason Roberts photography)

Ahead of the event, Sporty Spice has said : "I am really proud to give my support to Football For Change and I am looking forward to joining all of the players and everyone else involved on the night.

"This is going to be an incredibly special event and I am excited to be part of it."

Football For Change will distribute grants to organisations supporting young people in the most deprived areas of the country, with a focus on helping them into education, employment and training.

*For tickets and enquiries about securing a table at the event, which takes place at the Emirates Old Trafford, please contact info@footballforchange.org.uk or visit www.footballforchange.org.uk.

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