Vernon Kay will come together with Mel C and Emeli Sande in Manchester this year in aid of Football For Change.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and his England teammate Conor Coady launched the social mobility movement initiative, co-chaired by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher and supported by Manchester United legend Gary Neville, last year.
A number of star football players like Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, Arsenal and Lionesses striker Beth Mead plus Tottenham talisman Lucas Moura have all got involved while legends of the game like Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard and BT Sport pundit Gary Lineker have all thrown their weight behind Football For Change.
The charitable initiative works to lift young people from disadvantaged backgrounds out of poverty by providing life-changing opportunities in education and employment.
Global music icon Sir Rod Stewart is also a Football For Change patron, having attended its inaugural gala launch event in Liverpool last November which raised £250,000.
This year Football For Change, sponsored by Swinton Insurance and co-chaired by CEO Ian Donaldson, is set to bring a spectacular event to Manchester on September 22.
Mr Donaldson said: “It is in Manchester’s DNA to come together and help provide opportunities for those less fortunate. Businesses in the city have a fantastic chance to get involved with this initiative which is going to lend a hand to potentially the next generation of chief executives, directors and entrepreneurs by booking their place at the gala dinner.”
Hosted by TV favourite Vernon Kay, the gala dinner at Emirates Old Trafford will see songstress Emeli Sande entertain crowds with Spice Girl Mel C also taking to the stage while a Q&A will take place with two football superstars.
A major global icon is also set to headline the event, with organisers set to release full details around that next month.
Melanie C said: “I am really proud to give my support to Football For Change and I am looking forward to joining all of the players and everyone else involved on the night. This is going to be an incredibly special event and I am excited to be part of it.”
Football For Change will distribute grants to organisations supporting young people in the most deprived areas of the country, with a focus on helping them into education, employment and training.
Emeli Sande said: “Football For Change is an incredible initiative and so when I was asked to be part of this special event I immediately said yes. I am looking forward to performing and giving my support to the football players involved including Trent Alexander Arnold and Jamie Carragher. It is a really worthwhile cause and I am proud to be involved.”
Daniel Hughes, director of PR firm ThisGeneration and Football For Change organiser, added: “This is the biggest celebrity and red carpet event in the North West this year and we cannot wait to announce our superstar headliner.
“Everyone who attends the night will be in for a truly spectacular evening.”