Ella Henderson also performing; hosted by Paddy McGuinness as charity unites stars to support young people growing up in poverty
Football For Change, the social mobility and charitable initiative, which was launched by footballers including Jamie Carragher, Conor Coady and Trent Alexander-Arnold, has announced that Boy George and Culture Club will headline its 2025 Fundraising Gala later this year.
The annual event brings together footballers and business leaders for a star-studded evening of fundraising in aid of young people with experience of poverty. Taking place on 22nd November in Manchester, the star-studded evening will be hosted by Paddy McGuinness and will also include a live performance from Ella Henderson.
In a major coup for the event, Boy George and Culture Club will make a special guest appearance, joining Jamie Carragher and an all-star lineup. The legendary singer and global icon will bring his distinctive voice to a cause close to the hearts of many involved. His appearance is expected to be the highlight of the night – marking a unique moment where football, music, and business worlds unite to drive meaningful and real social change.
The Football For Change Gala, delivered in partnership with the Communities Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, brings together leading figures from sport and entertainment to raise vital funding for projects that support young people in poverty or facing difficult life circumstances. The initiative focuses on enabling access to education, sport and training and providing barrier breaking opportunities for young people in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the country.
The initiative has the backing of some of the biggest names in football.
Jude Bellingham, Beth Mead, Gary Neville, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, Jack Grealish, Steven Gerrard and Gary Lineker have all lent their support since Football For Change launched in 2021. Sir Rod Stewart serves as the official Patron of Football For Change and continues to champion its mission and events.
Jamie Carragher, Chair of Football For Change, said:
“When you see icons like Boy George and Ella Henderson joining us, along with so many footballers and supporters, it shows how far the annual Football For Change gala has come. This is one night in the annual calendar that footballers, business and celebrities come together to change young lives. This is about giving young people who’ve had tough starts in life the chance to build better futures. This Gala is not just a night to celebrate what we’ve achieved—but to go further and do even more.”
Proceeds from the Gala will go towards funding existing Football For Change programmes and new projects aimed at breaking down barriers for young people across the UK.