Forget fancy cars and private jets. Sam Thompson is going old school—really old school—to deliver the match ball for this year’s Soccer Aid. The reality TV star is lacing up his trainers and strapping on his helmet for a grueling 260-mile trek from London to Manchester, all in the name of charity. Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid airs this Friday, 13 June at 9 PM on ITV1, chronicling his five-day endurance challenge as he runs five marathons and cycles over 130 miles.
This isn’t just a casual stroll. Thompson tackles blisters, exhaustion, and the unpredictable British weather as he checks in at iconic football grounds along the route. Along the way, there will be pep talks from famous faces, but mostly it’s about Thompson’s personal push to raise money for Unicef.
Soccer Aid has become a cornerstone of British sports philanthropy, using celebrity-powered football matches to generate millions for children’s causes worldwide. Thompson’s challenge aims to give the event’s fundraising efforts an added kick, with viewers invited to join him on his genuinely demanding journey.
