Celtic and Rangers Old Firm players will face off against each other in a Game of History celebrity soccer game to raise awareness of climate change and ‘eco anxiety in young people’ for COP 26.
For the one off match on Sunday November 7 at 6pm which is billed as 'a fun family event', one team will be managed by Celtic legend Frank McAvennie and Rangers legend Derek Ferguson ( both from Open Goal podcast ) while the other team will be managed by John Hartson Celtic legend and Ian Durrant Rangers legend.
Squads will consist of Celtic players Simon Donnelly , Tom Boyd and Mark Wilson and Rangers legends Charlie Miller & Marvin Andrews with more names to be announced.
The former players will also be joined on the pitch by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, who will referee and Scots Labour chief Anas Sarwar who will play.
Celebrities including Sea Shanty singer Nathan Evans, Mrs Brown's Boys Gary Hollywood, Lottery winner Jane Park, musicians Horse McDonald, Callum Beattie, The Cutkelvins, Just The Brave, and Saint Phoenix, podcaster James English, comedian Gary Faulds will also take to the pitch at Hamilton Academical Youth Stadium
And climate change scientists including UCL Professor Mark Maslin who wrote the book How To Save Our Planet and Jhenelle Williams, the Jamaican delegate for COP 26 will also pull on their boots.
DJ George Bowie will play the match songs and fellow radio jock Suzie McGuire will serve up the half time oranges.
Scottish Tory leader and professional referee Douglas Ross said: “I’m delighted to be able to help out a great charity that does fantastic work for young people.
“Alongside the serious task of tackling climate change at COP26, it’s great to have events like this that raise money for good causes in the right spirit.
“Although I’m nursing a long-term injury that’s kept me off the pitch for months, I‘ll still be quick to keep legends like Frank McAvennie in check. I think a few of the old boys will be looking for an early bath and I’m happy to help out if I can.
“And if Anas Sarwar tries dishing out any political patter, he’ll be straight in the book.”
Labour chief Anas said in response: “ I’m looking forward to take part in this important event to support this vital organisation that does such great work for young people.
“At COP26, we have the chance to tackle climate change.
“And central to that will be ensuring that young people feel that we have a bright, sustainable future to look forward to.
“And I am also looking forward to showing off my skills on the pitch and I am confident my team will win - despite the dodgy referee.”
The ‘Game of History’, during the first weekend of COP26, will raise money for local children’s charity Blameless to help combat the growing number of young people across the UK suffering from ‘eco-anxiety’.
As the climate crisis worsens and the future for young people across the world becomes increasingly uncertain, the need to take action to prevent the devastating effects of global warming becomes greater, as does the need to protect the nation’s mental health.
Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography), Climate Scientist and author of ‘How to Save Our Planet’, said: "I honestly believe that together we can make this a better, safer, healthier planet for all humanity.
Football has the power to break down barriers and energise us all in our fight to save the world… So come down and join us at the Accies!
Mingle with legends from the world of football and stars from media, get behind us and help support kids with climate change anxiety!"
“The time for action is now – we need to decarbonise our economies, protect nature, and protect our collective mental health at the same time.
Raising awareness for these efforts is crucial, so bringing together famous faces for a football match to promote the cause during the middle of the most important climate summit in history is definitely worth a shot.
My boots are ready, let’s just hope my legs are as well!
Founder of Soccer Six, Mark Abery who is been running celebrity soccer events with the likes of Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart since 1995, added: “We are honoured to be organising this match at such a crucial time for our collective future.
The success of COP26 affects us all, but the mental health impact is often forgotten about.
We hope that this match goes a long way towards raising awareness of the issue, particularly for young people, and also boosts motivation for the everyday football fan to take climate action and live greener lives.”
Kick off at Hamilton Accies begins at 6pm with tickets from £6 available here and more info from www.soccer-six.com
