**Reality Star Sam Thompson Embarks on Epic 260-Mile Challenge to Deliver Soccer Aid Match Ball**
Reality television personality Sam Thompson has set off on a demanding 260-mile journey combining running and cycling to deliver the Soccer Aid 2025 match ball, in a unique charity challenge aimed at supporting Unicef’s life-changing work for children.
Thompson, well known for his appearances on ‘Made in Chelsea’, launched his ambitious trek on Monday from Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium in London—last year’s Soccer Aid venue. His final destination is Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford, the site for this year’s high-profile celebrity charity football match. Along the way, Thompson will visit several significant football grounds, further highlighting the unity and reach of the sport in the UK.
Before setting out, the 32-year-old confessed a mixture of nerves and motivation. “I barely slept at all last night—I am absolutely terrified,” he admitted. “But I’ve just got to keep focused on why I’m doing this. It’s all for Unicef, to help raise as much as possible for children in need, so I’ll push through and look forward to a hot shower at the end.”
Support was on hand from the very start, with comedian Joel Dommett, Thompson’s sister Louise, her partner Ryan Libbey, and his young nephew Leo joining him at Stamford Bridge’s departure line. Louise Thompson expressed her admiration, saying, “Sam’s always had great energy, but I’ve never seen him attempt something that calls for so much endurance and willpower. I’m very proud, he’s put a lot into preparing for this—and it’s for such a good cause. I’ll be cheering him at the beginning and the end.”
The first day of the journey saw Thompson running a full marathon—26 miles—to reach Hemel Hempstead, before switching to his bike for a demanding 23-mile ride to Milton Keynes’ Stadium MK. This is just the start of a multi-day expedition that will take him through a string of prominent football stadiums: from Stadium MK to Aston Villa’s Villa Park in Birmingham, onwards to Port Vale’s Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent, Everton’s Goodison Park in Liverpool, and concluding at Old Trafford.
Viewers will be able to follow Thompson’s progress throughout the week, as his journey is to be broadcast live on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ and Hits Radio. The challenge will culminate on Friday 6th June, when Thompson is expected to complete his mission in Manchester, coinciding with mounting anticipation for the Soccer Aid match itself.
To offer the public a behind-the-scenes perspective, footage documenting Thompson’s efforts will be compiled into a special programme, ‘Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission’, scheduled to air on ITV1 ahead of the big day. The documentary aims to spotlight both the physical challenge and the charitable impact of the Soccer Aid initiative.
At its core, Thompson’s feat is rooted in an aim to generate vital funds for Unicef, helping ensure children can grow up safe, healthy, and with the opportunity to play. The annual Soccer Aid match, which has grown into a staple fixture blending celebrities, football legends and fundraising, will take place this year on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford. The event will be televised live across multiple channels, including ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Soccer Aid has long been a beacon for bringing together the football and entertainment community in support of vulnerable children worldwide. Thompson’s involvement adds a personal touch to the campaign, showcasing the lengths individuals are willing to go to make a difference.
As the nation watches his journey unfold, it remains to be seen how Thompson will cope with the challenges ahead—but his determination and the support of friends, family, and the public points towards an inspiring week on the road.