SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF ACADEMY
SCHOOLS COMPETITIONS
We’re inviting pupils from schools across the UK to take part in our design competitions. Find out how your school can get involved below!
Only schools taking part in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF Academy can enter, so make sure you are signed up here if you are not already.
PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPETITION
We’re inviting pupils to design the t-shirt that child mascots will wear at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford, Manchester. The winner will also join as one of the mascots, walking onto the pitch on matchday alongside the Soccer Aid for UNICEF players.
The design needs to be imaginative, impactful, and meaningful, reflecting UNICEF’s values and/or the fundamental rights of children worldwide.
Please note designs must not include offensive language, inappropriate content or any names or logos, except for the Soccer Aid for UNICEF logo already embedded into the design template. Entries must be submitted by midday on Thursday 24th April 2025.
Who can enter?
The Soccer Aid for UNICEF Primary School Competition is open to all pupils aged 6 to 12, provided the school attended by the pupil is enrolled in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF Academy. Entry is limited to one submission per child and the winner must be aged between 6 to 12 on matchday, Sunday 15th June 2025.
We wholeheartedly embrace diversity in all its forms, recognising the unique perspectives it brings and the profound impact it has on children’s lives. We welcome participants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to enter this competition.
How does my school enter?
To enter, download and print the design template from here. Pupils can design their t-shirt directly onto the template, ensuring the right sleeve is kept plain.
Schools are then to choose their top 5 entries to represent their school. Please scan or photograph entries, adding the child’s first name, surname initial and year group, to the description and send to [email protected] with your School Name in the subject line. Please also include a contact telephone number for your school.
Entries must be submitted by midday on Thursday 24th April 2025.
How will the winner be selected?
A panel from UNICEF UK will carefully review and shortlist all entries and the UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board will select the top 10 designs submitted. The winning design will be selected by the Head of Soccer Aid for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) and the Executive Producer of Soccer Aid for UNICEF (Initial (Banijay UK).
What is the prize?
As well as the winner’s design appearing on all child mascot t-shirts, the winner will win the opportunity to be a child mascot at this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford, Manchester. The winner, and two guests (one of whom must be an accompanying guardian aged over 18) shall be provided 3 general admission tickets, public transportation up to £200 in total for travel to/ or within Manchester and a one-night stay on Sunday 15 June, at a 3* Manchester Hotel with one room accommodating 3 people and return travel home the next day.
On the day of the event, the winner will be a mascot for either the Soccer Aid for UNICEF England or World XI team and will enter the pitch with the team. After completing ‘mascot duties’ the winner will be able to join their guardian and plus-one to watch the game in the stadium.
Only one prize is available, and one winner shall be selected. The prize is non-exchangeable, and no cash alternatives shall be offered.
SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPETITION
We’re inviting pupils to design a poster that will be printed in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 matchday programme. The winner and two guests will get the chance to watch the match from Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester on Sunday 15th June! The design needs to be imaginative, impactful, and meaningful, reflecting UNICEF’s values and/or the fundamental rights of children worldwide.
Please note designs must be in landscape A4 orientation and must not include offensive language, inappropriate content or any names or logos. Entries must be submitted by midday on Thursday 24th April 2025.
Who can enter?
The Soccer Aid for UNICEF Secondary School Competition is open to all pupils aged 12 to 17, provided the school attended by the pupil is enrolled in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF Academy. Entry is limited to one submission per child and the winner must be aged between 12 to 17 on matchday, Sunday 15th June 2025.
We wholeheartedly embrace diversity in all its forms, recognising the unique perspectives it brings and the profound impact it has on children’s lives. We welcome participants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to enter this competition.
How does my school enter?
To enter, pupils can design their poster in A4.
Schools are then to choose their top 5 entries to represent their school. Please scan or photograph entries, adding the child’s first name, surname initial and year group, to the description and send to [email protected] with School Name in the subject line. Please also include a contact telephone number for your school.
Entries must be submitted by midday on Thursday 24th April 2025.
How will the winner be selected?
A panel from UNICEF UK will carefully review and shortlist all entries and the UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board will select the final winner.
What is the prize?
The winning design will be printed in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF Matchday Programme. The winner will also receive the opportunity to attend this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford, Manchester. The winner and two guests (one of whom must be an accompanying guardian aged over 18) shall be provided 3 general admission tickets, public transportation up to £200 in total for travel to/ or within Manchester and a one-night stay on Sunday 15 June, at a 3* Manchester Hotel with one room accommodating 3 people and return travel home the next day.
Only one prize is available, and one winner shall be selected. The prize is non-exchangeable, and no cash alternatives shall be offered.