BBC Radio 5 live announces 5 Live-A-Side: The FA People's Cup for Sport Relief
BBC Radio 5 live has announced it will partner with The FA People's Cup and Sport Relief to host 12 straight hours of 5-a-side football matches, with Robbie Savage as captain of a celebrity Sport Relief All Stars team.
Published: 15 February 2018
Twelve hours of football is no easy feat, but for such a great cause it'll be worth it. I have a fantastic team behind me and I just hope members of the public come down, give us a cheer and support us
The challenge will take place at MediaCityUK, Salford on 23 March from 11am-11pm, all to raise money and awareness for Sport Relief 2018.
Robbie's Sport Relief Allstars, a squad made up of eight well-known celebrities from the realms of sport, entertainment and music - with Sam Quek and Kirsty Gallacher announced as early signings - face an epic challenge as they attempt to stay on the pitch for the full 12 hours. Their opponents will be The FA People's Cup Challengers - 5-a-side teams that have been selected from The FA People's Cup, with new teams taking to the pitch every 15 minutes.
Legendary football manager Peter Reid takes on management responsibilities for the celebrity team, guiding them through the challenge that will push them to the absolute limit and test their endurance.
Alongside the gruelling game, Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given takes to the nets to complete 12 nonstop hours of penalty shoot outs, with members of the public lining up to take their best shots against him.
Robbie Savage said: "Twelve hours of football is no easy feat, but for such a great cause it'll be worth it. I have a fantastic team behind me and I just hope members of the public come down, give us a cheer and support us."
Shay Given said: "I've faced my fair share of penalty takers in my career but to do it solidly for 12 hours takes on a whole new dimension. The challenge will be a real test of endurance but I'm up for it!"
The day will be covered extensively by BBC Radio 5 live, as well as being streamed live on the 5 live website and on the Red Button. Highlights will be shown on Sport Relief's Night of TV, which will broadcast live from Salford for the first time ever on 23 March, BBC One at 7.30pm.
Money raised through Sport Relief helps vulnerable people across the UK and the world to live happier, healthier and safer lives.
Notes to Editors
Sport Relief brings the nation together to get active, raise money and change lives. Since 2002, Sport Relief has raised over £335 million. The money raised by the public will be spent by Comic Relief to tackle the critical issues affecting people across the UK and the world. This year, Sport Relief culminates in a week of activity from Saturday 17th to Friday 23 March, leading to an unmissable night of TV on the BBC.
Comic Relief is a UK charity which aims to create a just world, free from poverty - where everyone is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £1 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, people both at home in the UK and across the world.
The FA People's Cup
The FA People's Cup, in partnership with BBC Get Inspired, is the nation's largest and most inclusive five-a-side football competition. The competition is open to both teams and individuals (individuals will be placed into teams). Registration for the competition is open until the 18 February, please visit The FA People's Cup for more information.
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