Stars Join Gala to Tackle Child Poverty

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 2, 2026

The Football For Change initiative will host a fundraising gala on November 14 at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, featuring performances by Tom Grennan and Gabrielle and hosting by Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville. The event aims to raise money for grassroots charities supporting children in disadvantaged UK communities, building on the more than £1.5 million already raised to expand educational and developmental opportunities.

A star-studded fundraising gala will be held in Liverpool this November to support efforts aimed at alleviating child poverty across the UK. The event, organized by the Football For Change initiative, will feature live performances from singers Tom Grennan and Gabrielle and will be hosted by former footballer Jamie Carragher alongside pundit Gary Neville.

Scheduled for November 14 at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, the gala seeks to raise further funds to support grassroots charities and community projects that provide young people in disadvantaged areas with opportunities through education, sport, training, and other life-enhancing programs. Since its inception, Football For Change has raised over £1.5 million to back organizations working directly with children and youth who might otherwise lack access to such resources.

Jamie Carragher, a co-founder of the initiative and former Liverpool defender, emphasized the unifying and transformative power of football, stating that the sport can inspire communities while generating tangible social change. Carragher noted the continual generosity of supporters, describing this year’s gala as potentially the largest to date.

The campaign has received support from several notable figures, including musicians Sir Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher, and Boy George, as well as footballers Sir David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, among others. The event aims to build on this momentum by increasing public awareness and financial support to help organizations expand their outreach.

Football For Change focuses on providing children from some of Britain’s most challenging environments with access to opportunities that promote development and well-being. Surinder Dubro, representing chief sponsor DSV, highlighted the organization’s commitment to helping transform lives through this partnership.

Tickets and hospitality packages for the gala are currently available to the public. The event will also feature football pundit Gary Neville alongside Jamie Carragher, with TV presenter Mark Wright set to host, according to some reports. Organizers hope that this combination of entertainment and philanthropy will further boost fundraising and impact in communities affected by child poverty.

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