10:40, 17 June 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Sam Thompson has officially completed his Match Ball Mission for SoccerAid.
Sam has completed an incredible feat of endurance; transporting the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match ball more than 260 miles from last year’s stadium. The site of last year’s game was Stamford Bridge in London, with the new home all the way up north at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
It is! After five days of back to back running and cycling between famed football grounds across the UK, Sam finally crossed the finish line, having raised over £2 million for UNICEF.
Upon his arrival, Sam said: “To everyone who has donated, I’ve said it before but I’ll say it a million times, you are so heroic. This money will help so many children!”
SoccerAid officially kicked off after Sam’s arrival, and the star-studded match went on to raise over £15 million for UNICEF. The incredible match saw familiar faces like Big Zuu, Wayne Rooney, and Jermain Defoe coming together to raise money for the cause.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Home-Start UK. This local community network of trained volunteers and experts helps families with young children through their challenging times. Support them here.
Save The Children UK. Save the Children is a UK charity for children that works in over 100 countries to make sure children are fed, learning and treated fairly. Learn more here.
Barnardo’s. This is a children's charity that protects and supports children and young people in the UK who need them. Find out more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing and Partnership for the Goals.