'It's something that will stay with me forever' - Alex Brooker talks 'living the dream' with Soccer Aid

Virgin Radio

20 Mar 2024, 09:53

Comedian and celeb footballer Alex Brooker has reflected on the incredible impact joining the Soccer Aid line-up has had. 

The Last Leg star is returning to the England squad for the charity fundraising match for a third year alongside the likes of Strictly Come Dancing contestant Bobby Brazier, reality star Sam Thompson, cricketer Stuart Broad, and The Crown star Erin Doherty. Former Chelsea manager and footballing icon Frank Lampard will also be joining England’s managerial team.

Returning to play for England for another year are Jill Scott (captain), Paddy McGuinness (celebrity goalkeeper), David James (professional goalkeeper), Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, Sir Mo Farah and Robbie Williams. 

England’s 2024 Soccer Aid team will be coming up against Usain Bolt’s Soccer Aid World XI side. Joining their captain will be Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Martin Compston, Maisie Adam, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Tommy Fury and Gladiators star Diamond.

The star-studded soccer match has always meant a great deal to Alex, having been a fan for years, and described joining the team once again as “living the dream.”

“It’s just surreal,” the broadcaster told virginradio.co.uk. “So much of it is surreal, but it's an incredible event for an amazing cause. Last year I was lucky enough to go away with UNICEF to see the work they were doing in Jordan in the Zaatari refugee camp. I've got to see the other side of it really, because I've seen all the glitz and glamour of the game, being stood there next to David Beckham, while Robbie Williams is singing Angels, which is one of the great moments of my life.”

Alex, who was born with congenital abnormalities of his hands and arms and wears a prosthetic leg, also shared how Soccer Aid allowed him to break through the limited expectations people had of him. 

He added: “I grew up and it was kind of suggested to me that probably football wasn't the thing for me, having a prosthetic and being disabled. It's not something you are overly encouraged to do.  

“I've always loved football, I've always loved it. It's something that's quite obviously special for me and for my family to see me go out there.”

With Soccer Aid’s England team not having beaten the World XI since 2018, the proud player is also hoping this June’s match may bring an end to his team’s misfortune on the pitch.

“I bet you [Bobby Brazier] is a really good player,”  Alex suggested when asked about his thoughts on his new teammates. “Straight up I have never seen him play football before, [but] I bet you he’s a really good footballer.

“I think he’s also fit - the geezer’s done Strictly!” Alex said. “He’s physically fit, which is a big bonus when you have people like me alongside you - I need someone to do the running! So yeah, I think Bobby will be amazing.”

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets

Soccer Aid 2024 will also be broadcast live on ITV1, STV and ITVX, hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary and UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter Alex Scott.