A star-studded celebrity football match is heading to Swindon this May in aid of men’s mental health charity M.A.T.E
A lineup of celebrities, influencers and former professional footballers will come together at Swindon Town FC’s County Ground on Sunday 3 May 2026 for a charity football match raising funds and awareness for M.A.T.E (Men and Their Emotions).
The event was inspired by local organiser Gary Read following the suicide of Swindon resident Steve Bailey, a family man who had been quietly struggling with his mental health. Read approached M.A.T.E founder Daniel O’Reilly, better known as comedian Dapper Laughs, to help turn the tragedy into something that could save lives.
O’Reilly founded M.A.T.E off the back of his own experience with severe drug addiction and suicidal thoughts. Now three years sober, he’s become one of the more visible advocates for men’s mental health in the UK, using the charity to break down the stigma around men seeking help and talking about how they feel. The charity’s Facebook community has grown to over 64,000 members and provides peer-to-peer support, free counselling and dry housing for men in need.
The match will see Team M.A.T.E go up against Team Harvey, captained by MC Harvey of So Solid Crew. Confirmed names for Team M.A.T.E include actor and former EastEnders star Matt Lapinskas, two-time IBF World champion boxer Joe Cordina, chart-topping musician Tom Zanetti, Geordie Shore’s Gaz Beadle, social media personalities Cole Anderson and Mashtag Brady, and O’Reilly himself.
Team Harvey will feature a strong line-up of former professional footballers including Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, Jamie O’Hara, Dean Windass and Leon Britton, with further names still to be announced.
Olly Murs is also set to attend on the day, with more celebrity appearances expected to be confirmed ahead of the event.
Read said the match came directly from personal loss. “After losing a close friend to suicide, I’ve seen first-hand how vital groups like M.A.T.E are. Teaming up with Swindon Town and these incredible celebrities will help us reach more men and make a real difference.”
O’Reilly added: “This match is about more than football. It’s about showing men that it’s okay to talk, to feel, and to ask for help. We’re bringing big names and big energy to Swindon to save lives and smash the stigma.”
All funds raised through ticket sales and donations will go directly towards M.A.T.E’s work supporting men in crisis.
The match kicks off at 1pm. Tickets are available now via skiddle.com.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach the Samaritans any time on 116 123.
