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Soccer Aid: A Legacy of Giving




Two decades ago, Robbie Williams and football agent Kenneth Shepherd attended a charity match at Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium. Inspired by the event, they envisioned a similar spectacle to raise funds and awareness for children in need across the globe. This vision materialised into Soccer Aid for Unicef in 2006, initially intended as a one-off event. Fast forward 18 years and 13 star-studded matches, Soccer Aid has raised an astounding £106 million for children in some of the world's most deprived areas.


Sunday’s match at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, witnessed by a packed crowd and 3.6 million TV viewers, was a testament to Soccer Aid's enduring appeal. England's 6-3 victory over the World XI, their first win since 2018, alone raised £15 million for Unicef. Reflecting on this success, Robbie Williams expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for your kind messages about Soccer Aid. Un-f-ing-believable. Just absolutely incredible. So proud and so pleased.”


The impact of Soccer Aid is profound, both in terms of funds raised and awareness generated. Robbie Williams, who began working with Unicef in 1998 and became an ambassador two years later, has seen his brainchild grow beyond expectations. "Soccer Aid has spiralled into something I couldn’t have ever imagined," he remarked. "It's helped so many people and raised incredible awareness for Unicef."


Kenneth Shepherd, son of ex-Newcastle owner Freddy Shepherd, recounted the origins: “The idea was conceived when Dad and I met Robbie at The Match in 2004. Suddenly, Soccer Aid was born, turning into a global initiative for children around the world.”


Sunday’s match was not just a fundraiser but also a source of entertainment, featuring moments like Tommy Fury's comedic missteps. Robbie Williams' pride in the event was palpable: “Soccer Aid has teams in place to work year-round to organise the event and help distribute the funds with Unicef.”


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, shares in this pride, emphasising the importance of such initiatives. "Soccer Aid represents the spirit of football - uniting for a greater cause. As we gear up for our new season, it's inspiring to see how football can make such a significant impact off the pitch."


The light-hearted moments, such as Tommy Fury's humorous on-field antics and Jose Mourinho’s pitch invasion to tackle singer Olly Murs, add to the event's charm. But beneath the fun lies a serious commitment to making a difference. Robbie Williams noted, “Donations could help Unicef provide life-saving food supplies, ensure children receive vaccinations, and help get children back to school.”


The competitive spirit among participants, from ex-footballers to celebrities, enhances the event's appeal. Notably, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard and his uncle, Harry Redknapp, brought professionalism and a desire to win to the England team.


Soccer Aid’s journey from a single match to a global fundraising phenomenon underscores the power of football to effect change. Robbie Williams, a British icon and a dedicated philanthropist, has created a legacy that will continue to inspire and support children worldwide.


Join us in supporting this incredible cause. Donate to Soccer Aid and help Unicef continue their vital work.


 

Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach and football consultant, working at grassroots level but hugely passionate about the beautiful game as a whole. Steve works closely with clubs in his local area and offers consultancy services, mentorship, and player representation.


Join NexxtGen Football in Supporting Football Shirt Friday for the Bobby Moore Fund





@bobbymoorefund / @cr_uk


I am proud to stand alongside the Bobby Moore Fund in their mission to tackle bowel cancer. On Friday, April 26th, we are rallying our friends, supporters, and fellow football enthusiasts to join us in donning our favourite football shirts for #FootballShirtFriday. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against this devastating disease.


Bobby Moore, a football legend and icon, was taken from us far too soon at the age of just 51. In the wake of his passing in 1993, his widow Stephanie Moore OBE established the Bobby Moore Fund, dedicated to funding groundbreaking research into bowel cancer. Since its inception, the fund has made significant strides in reducing bowel cancer mortality rates by over 30%.


However, with 46 lives lost to the disease every day in the UK alone, our work is far from over.

#FootballShirtFriday is more than just a chance to show off our team colours – it's an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by bowel cancer. By wearing your football shirt, sharing a selfie on social media using the hashtag, and donating to the Bobby Moore Fund, you can help fund vital research that saves lives.


Together, we can honour the legacy of Bobby Moore and support the ongoing fight against bowel cancer. Join us in raising awareness and vital funds for this important cause. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to a future where bowel cancer is a thing of the past.


Join in the fun and make a difference by visiting our fundraising page. Together, we can score a victory against bowel cancer. Thank you for your support.









🌟 NexxtGen Football's Steve Halls Joins CHARS Youth FC for Charity Football Match! 🌟




@charsyouthfc @ndcs_uk @joewestmacott



We are thrilled to announce that NexxtGen Football's very own Steve Halls will be part of the management team for CHARS Youth FC's Charity Football Match on Sunday, March 24th, 2024, kicking off at 2pm at Goffs Academy, Goffs Lane, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross EN7 5QW. This exciting event aims to raise vital funds for the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS).


About the National Deaf Children's Society:


The NDCS is an extraordinary charity dedicated to empowering deaf children and their families. Their mission transcends mere assistance; they strive to create a world where every deaf child can thrive, irrespective of their level of hearing loss.


NDCS provides a plethora of services, ranging from educational resources and family support to advocacy for inclusive policies. Their initiatives span from ensuring access to quality education for deaf children to fostering a sense of community and belonging.


How Every Donation Makes a Difference:


At NexxtGen Football, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of collective action for a cause, and supporting NDCS allows us to make a meaningful impact. Every donation, regardless of its size, aids NDCS in continuing its vital work, supporting deaf children and advocating for a society that embraces their unique needs.


Whether it's supplying educational materials, facilitating family support networks, or advocating for policy changes, NDCS relies on the generosity of individuals and communities. This Charity "In-House" Tournament isn't just about the goals scored on the pitch; it's about scoring a victory for a cause aligned with our values of inclusivity and community support.



We warmly invite you to join us and show your support for this incredible cause. Let's come together for an afternoon of football, fun, and fundraising!


Best wishes,



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