Burnley radio host Jordan North is taking part in this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF match and he says he cant wait to play alongside footballing legend, Wayne Rooney.
The Capital Breakfast presenter and will make his debut appearance at the star-studded charity football event, which returns to London Stadium on Sunday, May 31.
He said it is "really special" to play in an event he grew up watching as a child.
Jordan said: "It's something that I've watched since I was quite young. I remember going to watch England vs World XI at Old Trafford in 2011.
"It's a fun event that comes around every summer and now I think it's a big part of our sporting football culture in the UK.
"To go from watching it with my mates and paying for tickets, to be playing in it is really special.
"It makes it even more special knowing I've watched it every year on the telly, I've been to games, and now I'm playing in it, it's a bit mad."
Jordan, who is playing as part of the England team taking on the World XI, said: "This year, especially, with everything that's going on in the world, it makes you realise what great work UNICEF does as one of the biggest fundraisers for children globally.
"Football makes up our country's fabric and is a big part of our culture.
"It's the best way for us to raise money, because we love it as a nation."
When asked what supporters can expect from him on the pitch, he said he plans to give it his all.
The former St James Lanehead primary school pupil said: "Just as long as I don't show myself up, I'm happy and I'll probably do as I'm told.
"I'll get stuck in, that's what I'll say.
"I'll most certainly get stuck in. I don't think I'll be backing out of any tackles.
"No, that's not me."
Jordan is especially excited to play alongside one football legend, Wayne Rooney, really looking forward to that.
"I can't sometimes fathom that I'm going to be playing with him," he said.
"I grew up watching him for Man United when he was at his peak.
"Now, when I'm bored at home, I just put his goal compilations on YouTube.
"Playing alongside Wayne Rooney, no matter what happens, no one will be able to take that away from me."
He said: "My dad used to take us for a kickabout in the park. I am one of four boys he used to [tell my brothers what position they could play] and he’d say Jordan, you can be referee.
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"I saw him for a pint at Christmas. When I told him I was doing Soccer Aid, he spat his pint out.
"He said 'You? What are you doing, opening a hot dog stand?'"
The world’s biggest celebrity football match, now marking 20 years, brings together legendary footballers and celebrities to raise money for UNICEF, helping children around the world.
The Soccer Aid match will be broadcast live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
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