Southport Football Club will host a very special Charity Match this Sunday (3rd August 2025) with a star-studded line-up of celebrity players and guests and a day of Hope and Healing.
Here’s all you need to know about this unique community event.
The Charity Match, which is organised by Southport Hesketh Round Table and Southport FC, will raise funds for the 24 Southport families whose lives were impacted by last summer’s tragedy. Kick off is at 3pm.
This is more than a football match — it’s a powerful day of remembrance, unity, and fundraising. The Round Table has already raised nearly £185,000 through their official GoFundMe and continues to support the families affected.
Much like Soccer Aid, this event will feature a star-studded line-up of celebrities, ex-professional footballers, and local legends, all coming together for a meaningful cause.
The match will be hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo.
With live music, food and drink, family-friendly activities, and an electric atmosphere, it promises to be a memorable day for the whole community.
Gates open early for live music, food, and pre-match fun
Tickets: £10 Standing / £15 Seating – Buy Now
Match Management Teams
Teams will be managed by legends Joe Royle, John Aldridge and Willie Donachie.
- Joe Royle – Everton icon and FA Cup–winning manager. As a player and manager, Royle’s football legacy stretches across multiple decades.
- John Aldridge – Liverpool, Real Sociedad and Tranmere Rovers legend. Aldridge scored over 300 career goals and brings incredible footballing pedigree to the dugout.
- Willie Donachie – Former Scotland international, long-time assistant to Royle, and ex-Southport FC Women manager. A respected coach and leader.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
Like Soccer Aid, this charity match will feature a blend of celebrities, ex-professional footballers, and special guests. So far, confirmed names include:
- Toni Duggan – Ex-England international with 79 caps. Played for Everton, Man City, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.
- James Nelson-Joyce – Acclaimed actor (This City Is Ours, Black Mirror) and Soccer Aid participant.
- Paul Dalglish – Former Liverpool, Celtic and Newcastle star who grew up in Southport
- Chelcee Grimes – Singer-songwriter (Dua Lipa, Kylie, Olly Murs), presenter, and ex-footballer for Liverpool, Everton and Spurs
- Liam Smith – Former WBO light-middleweight boxing world champion.
- Gareth Farrelly – Everton star whose goal kept the Blues in the Premier League
- Earl Davis – Won Conference North title twice for Southport FC
- Steve ‘Sid’ Pickford – Ex Southport FC, scored two goals in Notts County FA Cup upset
- Stuart Barlow – Former Everton,Wigan, Oldham and Southport striker
- Jazza Dickens – IBA and WBA super featherweight world champion.
- Stephen Warnock – Football TV pundit and former Liverpool player
- Craig Noone – Warrington Town Manager, played for Cardiff City
- Ryan Lowe – Wigan Athletic Head Coach
- Jose Baxter – ex Everton, became second youngest Premier League debutant
- James Vaughan – Former Everton player, became youngest Premier League goalscorer
- John Welsh – Ex Liverpool, Hull City and Tranmere player
- John Otsemobor – Former Liverpool, Hull City and Tranmere player
- Natasha Dowie – WSL top scorer and FA Cup winner. Played for Everton, Liverpool, and more.Lee Peltier – Former Liverpool defender, most recently at Rotherham United.
- Rickie Lambert – Ex-Southampton and Liverpool striker, with a rise from non-league to Premier League and England honours.
- Dylan Thomas-Smith – BAFTA-nominated actor from ITV’s G’wed and The Gathering.
- Sam Taylor – Comedic content creator and social media personality.
- Neil Danns – Current Southport FC Manager. Ex-Crystal Palace, Bolton and Leicester midfielder, now lacing up his boots for the match.
- Mark Duffy – Assistant Manager at Southport and ex-pro with Sheffield United, ADO Den Haag, and Southport. Returning to play at Haig Avenue.
- Gary Barker – X Factor star
- Philip Shaun Mcguiness – talented actor
- Stuart Cook – futsal legend
- Dave Rogers – Ex Southport FC and Chester City player
- Steve Davies – Runcorn Town striker
Special Guests Attending
- Tony Bellew – Former world champion boxer and Creed star. Although injured, he’ll attend in full support.
Buy Your Tickets Now
All profits from the match will go directly to the fundraising efforts led by Southport Hesketh Round Table, who have already raised nearly £185,000 through their official GoFundMe campaign.
Let’s take that support even further.
- Standing – £10
- Seating – £15
➡️ Click here to purchase your tickets now
Let’s fill the stands, celebrate our town’s strength, and show what Southport is made of.
More Than Football
This is a day for everyone – families, football fans, and anyone who wants to stand in solidarity with those impacted.
With live music, food and drink, and a fantastic match, it’s set to be a memorable occasion.
Whether you come for the football or the cause, your presence will make a difference.
Let’s come together. Let’s make it count.
Join us at Haig Avenue on Sunday 3rd August 2025.
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