Soccer Aid to return to Old Trafford in September 2020

Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said: “The work of UNICEF and the rest of the Vaccine Alliance keeping immunisation going in the world’s most vulnerable countries has never been more important.

“COVID-19 is disrupting vaccine programmes across the world, risking the resurgence of deadly diseases like measles and polio.

“That’s why this year’s Soccer Aid for Unicef is so vital, raising funds to help us continue to protect children from deadly diseases. It will also help Gavi and UNICEF ensure COVID-19 vaccines are available to the poorest countries. As long as this disease is circulating anywhere it remains a threat everywhere.”

International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “The UK government is proud to be teaming up with Soccer Aid for Unicef for the seventh year – doubling donations from the British public through our UK Aid Match scheme.

“Together, we have already helped improve the lives of over 1.2 million of the world’s most vulnerable children, and this year Soccer Aid for Unicef’s goal is to stop the worst impacts of the coronavirus pandemic by providing clean water for drinking and hand-washing to communities, schools and health centres.

“UK aid is matching every Soccer Aid for Unicef donation pound for pound. With Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance doing the same, that means every £1 donated until 6 October will become £3, so please give generously.”