Everton legend Tim Cahill will return to familiar territory later this month as he captains Team Merseyside in a star-studded charity football match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The former Blues favourite will go head-to-head with Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner Rivaldo at #Game4Hope on Saturday 26 September, with kick-off at 4.45pm.
The Soccer Aid-style showdown will see an all-star Merseyside XI, featuring Everton and Liverpool legends alongside celebrity supporters, take on a Rest of the World XI in support of Shelter and Everton in the Community.
Cahill spent eight memorable years at Everton, making more than 270 appearances and scoring 68 goals for the club. Known for his passion, big-game goals and trademark corner-flag celebration, the Australian remains a firm favourite among Evertonians.
He will now have the honour of leading Team Merseyside out at Everton’s new waterfront home.
Everton legend Peter Reid and Liverpool great John Barnes will join forces as joint managers of the Merseyside team, with a host of familiar names set to take part.
Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry, Phil Jagielka, Yakubu, Robbie Fowler, David James, Ryan Babel, Jari Litmanen, John Aldridge, Joleon Lescott and Louis Saha are among the former players confirmed.
They will be joined in the purple Merseyside shirt by celebrity fans including Tony Bellew, John Bishop, Big Zuu, Molly McCann, Still Ryan and James Nelson-Joyce.
Standing in their way will be a Rest of the World side led by Brazilian football icon Rivaldo.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan star won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, as well as the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year during a glittering career.
He will be joined by a formidable international line-up including Cafu, Clarence Seedorf, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Jaap Stam, Mustapha Hadji and Des Walker.
Ted Lasso actors Toheeb Jimoh and Moe Hashim will also take part, alongside Gladiators star Nitro, former boxing world champion Johnny Nelson, Jack Fowler and Tinie Tempah.
Women’s football will also be represented, with Rachel Yankey and Chelcee Grimes confirmed alongside former Everton and Liverpool stars Toni Duggan and Natasha Dowie.
The action on the pitch forms part of a much bigger day of entertainment at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with live music, food and family activities planned throughout the event.
Liverpool band Circa Waves will perform, while Tinie Tempah is set to take to the stage during the half-time show.
Hill Dickinson Stadium’s Budweiser Plaza will also host food, music and entertainment before and after the game.
At the heart of #Game4Hope is a drive to raise funds and awareness around homelessness across Liverpool City Region and the wider UK.
The event comes amid a renewed national focus on homelessness and Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to eradicate rough sleeping.
Organisers say more than 1,600 children in Liverpool are currently experiencing homelessness and living in temporary accommodation, while thousands of people across the country are sleeping rough.
Proceeds from #Game4Hope will support Everton in the Community and Shelter, combining the local work of Everton’s official charity with the expertise of one of the country’s leading housing and homelessness organisations.
Everton in the Community delivers a range of programmes aimed at tackling some of the underlying causes of homelessness, including mental health and wellbeing support, addiction recovery, employability services, youth intervention and its Home Is Where the Heart Is programme.
Lester Holcombe, CEO of Legends Soccer Group, said:
“To bring players of the calibre of Rivaldo, Cafu and Clarence Seedorf to Liverpool is incredibly exciting. These are genuine football icons who have inspired generations of supporters around the world, and now fans will get the chance to see them up close at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“But #Game4Hope is about much more than the 90 minutes on the pitch. We’ve created a full family entertainment experience with live music, food, interactive football activities and plenty to enjoy before the match even kicks off. Whether you’re eight or eighty, there’s something for everyone.
“Most importantly, every ticket purchased helps support the incredible work being carried out by Shelter and Everton in the Community, making this a fantastic day out that will leave a lasting impact across Merseyside.”
Tickets are on sale now here, with Everton Season Ticket Members able to purchase adult tickets for £15 and under-16 tickets for £10.
General sale tickets are priced at £25 for adults and £15 for under-16s, with hospitality and premium packages also available.
#Game4Hope takes place at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday 26 September, kicking off at 4.45pm.
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