Soccer Aid:
A record breaking year

Project Objectives

Soccer Aid wanted to create a virus-free bio bubble where the players and training staff could prepare for the match in safety. With a large number of players, trainers, crew and presenters, this presented a logistical challenge and a big ask for all involved.

The Process

A bio bubble was created at Mottram Hall, a venue where all the players could prepare for the event. Prior to arrival, each player had two tests, and two further tests on site. Before entering the ‘red zone’ for VIPS, each player would need to provide a valid health passport in order to minimise the risk of infection. A second bubble was created at Old Trafford for match staff and TV presenters. Each bubble would remain isolated from the other until match day.

Key Innovations

Soccer Aid were able to position the Project Screen by Circle mobile testing solution on site to test players and staff. However, in the run up to the event, nurses were sent to people’s homes in order to facilitate the end to end testing process.

Results

Every single person involved with Soccer Aid tested negative for the virus from a total of 728 tests conducted over a 4-week period, including 438 home collections. In terms of fundraising, it was a record breaking year with over £9.3 million raised for Unicef.