Champions
Apollo 440
Finalists
Shed Seven
In summer 1995 East Londoner Mark Abery had an idea. Something special was about to happen. The Music Industry Soccer Six was born. It was to define the 90’s Brit Pop era, kickstart a genre and be integral to music and celebrity culture for the next 25 years. Along the way celebrity football was to raise many millions for good causes, while the pioneering Soccer Six continued to Champions upcoming talent that became internationally known. Blurs’ Damon Albarn had help light the touch paper - bringing his mates from Jamiroquai, Shed 7, Pulp and Jude Law while Jarvis Cocker was kissed by a topless streaker. Paparazzi cameras clicked, Rock n Goal history was made as Apollo 440 won and Soccer Six went on to become the worlds biggest and most photographed celebrity sports event.
Champions
Reef
Finalists
Apollo 440
In the summer of ’96 the nation was buzzing as the England football team reached Euro 96 semi finals amid Brit Pop band fever. At the top of the charts were Blur and Oasis who were to battle it out on the pitch in front of 6,000 fans. Photos of lead singers Damon Albarn and Liam Gallagher were published in every tabloid and broadsheet in the country along with blanket TV coverage. Robbie Williams made his debut as guest of Pulp as pitch invasions and more streakers ensured the Soccer Six notoriety scaled new heights.
Champions
Def Leppard
Finalists
The Damned
The buzz continued throughout ’96 and the demand saw Soccer Six roll across to South London. Lennox Lewis led the way with a young Jamie Theakston in goal and Bradley Walsh in defence. The already legendary afterparties reputation rose as rock n roll heavyweights – and ace footballers - Def Leppard and Iron Maiden joined the party with players from The Cult, The Damned, Sham 69, James, Texas and The Beautiful South also starring.
Champions
Blur
Finalists
The Levellers
Actor and Fulham fan Keith Allen brokered meetings with Owner Al Fayed and Jimmy Hill as Soccer Six debuted at a football league stadium. Robbie Williams returned with Mark Owen as The Lightning Seeds , Stereophonics and The Levellers starred and Shed 7 spent the night partying in the tour bus outside the ground. But it was Blur and Damon Albarn who stole the show and trophy with help from Iron Maidens Steve Harris’ hat trick in the final.
Champions
James
Finalists
Blur
Back at its spiritual home, Soccer Six infamy was spreading around the industry. Attracting players from bands Iron Maiden, Ocean Colour Scene, The Prodigy, Space, Stereophonics, Supergrass and Reef joining Robbie and Mark Owen with Finley Quaye who won the inaugural Fastest Man in Pop. While Cerys from Catatonia presented that award the coveted Soccer Six trophy went to James who defeated holders Blur in the final. They were to blot their copybook by smashing up and setting light to the trophy - earning them a suspension from the tournament.
Champions
Fat Les
Finalists
Robbie Williams
This year saw the most ever celebrities assembled for a football tournament. Actor Keith Allen vowed to win the new trophy with his team Fat Les, turning up in a taxi donated by Damien Hirst with his kids Lily and Alfie and team. To beat were tough guys Jason Statham, Lennox Lewis and Chris Eubank while Rod Stewart, Simply Red, Bush and Ant & Dec all debuted. The first womens tournament included Cat Deeley, Sara Cox, Edith Bowman, Kirsty Gallacher but the glory did go to Keith Allens’ Fat Les who overcame Finalistss Robbie Williams, taking the new trophy straight to the Groucho Club.
Champions
Robbie Williams
Finalists
Ant & Dec
A crowd of over 12,000 welcomed back many more previous stars joining Damien Lewis, David Baddiel, Joe Calzaghe and Katie Price. The girls winners included Kirtsy Galllacher and Helen Chamberlain though the star of the day was Rod Stewart who scored a hat trick and was second highest scorer behind Peter Beardsley. It wasn’t enough for his team as Robbie Williams team overcame an improving Ant & Dec squad to win. Robbie sent himself off , leaving Jamie Theakston to collect the coveted trophy.
Champions
Ant & Dec
Finalists
Rod Stewart
A new record crowd of 15,000 turned up to witness an unprecedented level of stars. Omid Djalili, Dermot O’Leary, Patrick Kielty joined the party. Damage and Steps performed on stage and over 40 celebrity girls played including Amanda Holden and Penny Lancaster who also supported favourite Rod Stewart. Rod had brought his mate Bradley Walsh and even George Best as manager but it wasn’t to be as Ant & Decs team overcame them in an exciting final.
Champions
Ant & Dec
Finalists
So Solid Crew
Fan demand called for Soccer Six to head north with legendary ex-players John Barnes, Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush helping attract over 10,000 boisterous supporters. Ant & Decs boys became Soccer Sixes most successful team in winning consecutive tournaments overcoming So Solid Crew to triumph. It was a day to remember for Liberty X who hit number 1 in the charts but the girls trophy was won by Mis-Teeq led by Alesha Dixon who also won the Fastest Girl in Pop.
Champions
Westlife
Finalists
Ant & Dec
Ant & Dec returned to London looking to retain their crown for a third time. In waiting were Vinnie Jones team including Jason Statham, Sex Pistols and managed by Dennis Wise. Rod Stewart, Blue and Goldie also showed up. But it was a determined Westlife team with the legendary Bryan Robson, managed by Eamon Holmes that stole the show beating 4 time Finalistss Ant & Decs team in a classic final. Alesha Dixons Mis-Teeq overcame her friend Amanda Holdens team in the girls tournament.
Champions
Blue
Finalists
Paul Hardcastle
Ant & Dec were unable to take part at their beloved Newcastle FC due to hosting I’m a Celebrity in Australia. It gave a chance for other teams to shine which boyband Blue took gladly. Paul Hardcastle signed up Peter Beardsley who did battle with Geordie legend Chris Waddle but his team were unable to stop a Mickey Thomas inspired Blue pipping them in the Final. Local girl Michelle Heatons Liberty X team was to beat Katie Prices with the help of her bandmate Jessica Taylor.
Champions
Blue
Finalists
One True Voice
Blue were on a roll and rode into town full of confidence. Supported by Liverpool legends Alan Kennedy, Ian Rush, Ronnie Whelan, John Aldridge and John Barnes thousands roared the celebrities on as Marvin Humes, Danny Dyer, Starsailor and Inspiral Carpets made debuts. In an exciting tournament it was Blue who triumphed again beating One True Voice while Angelica Bell won the girls honours.
Champions
So Solid Crew
Finalists
Westlife
The Music Industry Soccer Six glamour was attracting talent from across the entertainment industry with more actors, sports stars and models playing. Yet it was the musicians that dominated in East London with favourites Iron Maiden falling to previous Championss Westlife who overcame Rod Stewart in the semis. But as Katie Price, Kerry Katonas’ Atomic Kitten and The Cheeky Girls shone it was Alesha Dixon who won again while So Solid Crew led by MC Harvey and Neutrino, inspired by actor Ralf Little, took the spoils for the men.
Champions
The Darkness
Finalists
Brian McFadden
As Soccer Six returned back to Liverpool to the blue half. Simon Webbe was managing his protégé Marvin Humes but The Darkness were literally on fire with the legendary striker John Aldridge, MC Harvey and Ralf Little scoring at will. It was they -with their managers for the day- Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman that were to triumph over Brian McFaddens team. For the girls Abby Clancy starred as Liberty X and Angelica Bell bagged the trophy.
Champions
The Music
Finalists
Hollyoaks
There was an intense rivalry between the actors on our first trip to Yorkshire with teams from Emmerdale, Eastenders, Hollyoaks and Coronation Street. While they all fared well it was Nick Pickards Hollyoaks that reached the final beating Blazin Squad en route. However, with music legends Mark Owen, Tony Hadley in attendance it was fitting that indie band The Music were victorious. Jessica Taylor and Michelle Heaton managed to retain their girls crown with Liberty X.
Champions
Radio 1
Finalists
Brian McFadden
As more dance music legends joined the journey DJs Brandon Block, Alex P and Spoony all starred. Snowpatrol made an impressive debut while Tamer Hasan, Danny Dyer and Omid Djalili teamed up. Brian McFadden came with a strong team but was to fall in the final to Chris Moyes’ Radio One squad led by Mark Chapman and Colin Murray in a dramatic shootout. Girl band Clea lit up the stadium as they displayed their trophies and the sun shone all day.
Champions
Rod Stewart
Finalists
Freefaller
As usual the sun shone at Soccer Six as thousands rocked up so see Razorlight debut, while Paddy McGuinness brought a Phoenix Nights squad with manager Neil Fitzmaurice. The young Phelps Twins from Harry Potter were a big hit and Lady Sovereign stole the show winning the ladies honours. The big one was won by Rod Stewarts team starring Brian McFadden , in front of girlfriend Delta Goodrem , while Rod was sick and Paul Dalglish starred for the green and white hoops as the champagne flowed.
Champions
Iron Maiden
Finalists
Radio 1
Chris Moyles and Mark Chapman returned with Radio 1 to a noisy stadium hoping to retain their London crown. Soccer AM were looking to stop them with Tim Lovejoy, Fenners and Tubes as were players from The Office and a Chris Evans team including Gazza. But it was Iron Maidens’ legendary Steve Harris that triumphed as he scored again at his beloved Upton Park to pip Radio 1. Rowetta from Happy Mondays and Nikki Sanderson took glory for the ladies.
Champions
Kasabian
Finalists
The Darkness
Broadcast live on SKY TV all weekend this World Cup themed Soccer Six was even more memorable. Not least as Jimmy Carr put forward the most unlikely team ever to cause an upset. It was not to be as an Aldo Zilli managed ‘Italy’ team starring the Kasabian boys with top scorer Serge and Joe Calzaghe pipping Justin Hawkins Darkness England team including Bez to the crown. Caprice, Michelle Dewberry, Nikki Sanderson and Michelle Heaton starred for the victorious England girls.
Champions
Hollyoaks
Finalists
Beauty & The Geek
The rain fell, yet as always the Soccer Six sun shone and a rainbow appeared. Over a hundred celebrities battled it out for that pot of gold. Among them Max Rushden, Jeff Brazier, Scott Maslen, Tamer Hasan, Holby City and The Bill. It was Hollyoaks celebrating wildly at the end following victory over Beauty & The Geek. Nikki Sanderson again sparkled with her girls in yellow including Donatella Panayatiou ,and Liz McLarnons Atomic Kitten.
Champions
Neville Southall
Finalists
S4C TV
Soccer Six went ‘international’ with a Welsh affair including Goldie Lookin Chain, Dirty Sanchez , Ian Rush and, Mickey Thomas. Many more made the journey from England as Lee Sharpe, 3SL , Jade Goody, Steps, Lembit Opik and The Cheeky Girls. It was left to Welsh legend Neville Southalls team to hoist the Soccer Six trophy with star man Mike McLean as Bianca Gascoignes’ team made the journey even more memorable winning the girls event.
Champions
Babyshambles
Finalists
DJ Spoony
Soccer Six went global as Babyshambles front man Pete Doherty rocked up with girlfriend Kate Moss, getting worldwide press. Though this was no publicity stunt, the boy could actually play ball. In his way of glory were rivals Razorlight and teams including Simon Jordan, Nick Moran and Danny Dyer. Meanwhile Bianca was glorious in a great girls turnout of Shipwrecked, Liberty X and Wags Boutique. Yet it was Pete’s final as he stroked home the only goal from a Frank McAvennie pass to defeat DJ Spoony.
Champions
Faithless
Finalists
Babyshambles
On a poignant and emotional day in Soccer Six history the Stars Came Out To Play. Danny Jones and Russell Howard brought strong McFly and comedy teams as Dean Saunders and Brendan Cole debuted. Amy Winehouse arrived to support Pete Doherty who had hidden the trophy but it wasn’t to be his again as Faithless beat his Babyshambles in the final. Pixie Geldof steered her girls team to victory over Jade Goodys’ team and a true rock n roll Soccer Six went down as an unforgettable and historic day.
Champions
The Sun
Finalists
McFly
In a tournament dedicated to Terry Abery fittingly controversy ensued as two celebrity male players streaked and a girls models team whipped off their tops in the final. It was all good fun but in the mens tournament Gordon Smart and Serge Pizzorno came to win, signing Tony Cottee. Nicholas Hoult and The Hoosiers debuted as Comedians Noel Fielding , Lee Mack and Russell Howard starred - reaching the semis falling to McFly, with goals from Danny, Harry & Tom. But they were unable to beat Gordon & Serge in the final who took the trophy off to the afterparty where Dirty Sanchez were causing chaos.
Champions
The Libertines
Finalists
Soccer AM
Back to the glamour of The Bridge to relive the halcyon days with another huge crowd and over 50 celebrity girls including Tulisa. Michelle, Bianca, Caprice and Cleopatra. JLS and The Inbetweeners were the crowd favourites, Danny Dyer and Tamer Hasan saw red cards. Pete was sick, Carl Barat wore his Arsenal top and Neville Southall was outstanding for The Libertines team. He managed to thwart the Soccer AM onslaught as they lifted the trophy and made for the afterparty at The Embassy led by Joe Calzaghe.
Champions
X Factor
Finalists
Olly Murs
World Cup fever gripped the UK as big names, fans and media all got into it. Soccer Six had a real buzz as legends David Baddiel & Omid Djalili rocked up joining over 40 celebrity girls. Stacey Solomon, Kierston Wareing, Kaya Scodelario shone with star player Chelcee Grimes as Tulisa hoisted the trophy while her NDUBZ band mates looked on. Olly Murs’ team starring Gordon Smart, Lethal Bizzle and Tinchy Stryder were hot favourites with The Wanted, McFly and The Coral but were shocked as Jeff Braziers’ X Factor team amazingly won the trophy.
Champions
Noah & The Whale
Finalists
Mumford & Sons
Times they were a changin’ as was Soccer Six that summer as the content and event became more flexible. An invitation from legendary promoter Vince Power to stage an event at his Bob Dylan headlined Hop Farm Festival with 20,00 people was an interesting proposition. Everybody loved the weekend, the chance to involve Soccer Six legend Pete Doherty and hang out backstage around Blondie, Van Morrison and Ray Davies was taken. Neville Southall, Lee Sharpe and Marcus Mumford starred as Noah & The Whale beat Mumford & Sons for glory.
Champions
Joe Calzaghe
Finalists
Waterloo Road
A plethora of big names returned to South East London with Soccer Six Legends including The Darkness, Omid Djalili, Michelle Heaton & Sam Fox while E17 frontman Tony Mortimer turned out with his band mates. Oritse JLS returned managing girl band VIDA. Chip, Wretch 32, MC Target & Tinchy Stryder all came strong and but were unable to stop actors Waterloo Road march to the Final. Waiting for them was Joe Calzaghes’ team with Shayne Ward and Gordon Smart who were to deliver the knockout blow and triumph.
Champions
BBC Merlin
Finalists
Plan B
Over 10,000 saw politician Alistair Campbell generate worldwide press following fisticuffs with pop stars The Wanted. Michelle Keegan, Chloe Madeley, Bianca Gascoigne & Lauren Goodger looked on amused. Sonny Jay and his Lovable Rogues had caned the hotel pre-party and were too fragile to care. Meanwhile Mark Wright and his shadow James Argent made the final within Ben Drews’ Plan B team. But Coleen Nolan watched on as her sons Jake Roche & Shane, emerged victorious thanks to actors Tom Hopper, Bradley James & Eoin Macken in the BBC Merlin team.
Champions
Danny Dyer
Finalists
You Me At Six
BBC Merlin, Joe Calzaghe & Nathan Cleverly hit East London. Jake Wood brought Eastenders with Shane Ritchie in goal as The Inbetweeners entertained. Lee Mack, Omid Djalili, Milton Jones & Terry Alderton starred for the Comedy Squad as Maxi Priests’ Reggae Boys, with Scorcher & MC Target, shone. The TOWIE boys, Sonny Jay & Lovable Rogues showed as indie band You Me At Six reached the Final. Waiting was Hammer Danny Dyer- unwilling for ‘liberties’ on his manor – with Tamer Hasan & DJ Lonyo Engele - who fulfilled a dream win before celebrating with girls Champions Bianca Gascoigne & Chelcee Grimes.
Champions
BBC Merlin
Finalists
District 3
Danny Dyer, Tamer Hasan, Sonny Jay, Loveable Rogues, Lucien Lavinscount & Anthony Costa headed North for notorious weekend partying. The Hollyoaks boys always excelled in the stadium and bar and were joined by Coronation Street, Shameless & Eastenders. Memories were made as BBC Merlin beat Danny Dyers team 10-9 on pens in the semis as Merlin’s star Colin Morgan drove them to glory over District 3. Coleen Nolan oversaw Chelcee Grimes star in the women’s tournament as the boys teams looked on in awe.
Champions
Chip
Finalists
Eastenders
The You Tube influencer genre was growing - as major stars Joe Chapman, Zoella, Joe Sugg and Alfie Deyes got involved. Scores of girls including Josie Gibson, Brooke Kinsella & Nikki Grahame showed with soul Legends Misha B & Melissa Bell but Sinittas’ team were to triumph. Comic Lee Nelson was banned by the FA while peers Omid Djalili, Terry Alderton & Milton jones couldn’t stop Jake Wood & Shane Ritchies’ Eastenders team reaching the Final. The grime scene was also represented with Tinchy Stryder, Devlin & Dappy also starring. But it was team Chip who beat Eastenders earning the champagne at the hotel afterparty.
Champions
Mark Wright
Finalists
X Factor
Ex Bolton star Fabrice Muamba was guested with boxer Amir Khan, actress Chelsee Healey and Dragons Den star Duncan Bannantyne. An all day party started backstage with Frankie Cocozza, Chris Mahoney and Jake Quikenden performing. On the pitch the trophies were being keenly contested. Bianca Gascoigne & Chelsee Healey bagged the womens gong early to glam up for the afterparty as James Lockes’ TOWIE Essex boys couldn’t stop X Factor reaching the Final. Dappy signed footballer Lee Sharpe & Beau Abery in vain as Mark Wright’s team marched past them and X Factor to glory as sister Jessica Wright and girlfriend Michelle Keegan cheered.
Champions
Olly Murs
Finalists
Mark Wright
Some of the worlds biggest influencers rocked up. The F2 Freestylers of Billy Wingrove & Jeremy Lynch were inspiring a generation of boys while You Tube superstar KSI signed James Arthur & You Me At Six frontman Josh Franceschi. Dappy, Wretch 32 & Maverick Sabre appeared amid a real buzz as Ella Eyre & Nina Nesbitt arrived. Bianca Gascoigne greeted Sam Bailey finding girls glory as Brian McFadden, Tamer Hasan, Omid Djalili commandeered The Dark Destroyer Shaun Wallace from The Chase. It was to no avail as Olly Murs beat Mark Wright, Elliot Wright and sidekick James Argent in the final - dubbed The Essex Derby.
Champions
Emmerdale
Finalists
Pigeon Detectives
Comedian Jon Richardson was to star making an emotional debut at his beloved stadium . Another debutant, singer Lydia Lucy, was to win the girls silverware as the boys tournament was hotting up. James Arthur signed footballing Legend Benito Carbone while Andy Samuels, Jake Boys and Adam Waithe kept up recent You Tube antics. But it was to play out as a local Yorkshire affair in the final. Actor Adam Thomas had assembled a squad from Emmerdale with help of their friends from MTV and it was they who were to maintain local pride - beating Indie band The Pigeon Detectives, themselves also avid Leeds United fans.
Champions
The Janoskians
Finalists
X Factor
The entertainment world was changing but The Stars Came Out To Play for a new twist, as Soccer Sixfest. Returning to Mile End halcyon days over 5,000 screaming fans showed. A huge buzz preceded and with dodgems a Helter Skelter a unique festival vibe was reborn. Epitomising the time Aussie music comedy act The Janoskians flew in mid tour amid mass hysteria. The press showed up in force as Louis Spence, Rachel Riley & Amy Childs created iconic images. HRVY, Bars & Melody, Dappy, James Arthur et al caused a stir but a fitting finale saw the crazy Janoskians resume their tour and - in true Soccer Six fashion - fly out on their private plane with the trophy.
Champions
Rudimental
Finalists
Joey Essex
In a transitional year, artists and content providers were finding their audiences. As usual in Burnley partying took centre stage as a wide variety of stars rocked up from The Game of Thrones to Ibiza Weekender, Joey Essex to Ray Quinn. The headlines belonged to talented musical acts. Louisa Johnson was star player and performer, as the Soccer Six family encouraged her special talent. Fresh from two number one singles with John Newman and Soccer Six star Ella Eyre, plus a number 1 album, it was Rudimental that proved they could really play ball and music by bagging the men’s silverware beating Joey Essex to glory.
Champions
Maverick Sabre
Finalists
The Vaccines
The traditional eclectic mix of stars in Soccer Six attendees continued with championing young talent and music at its’ heart. Stars as diverse as Game of Thrones and Storage Wars attended with a young Eastenders star Max Bowden. Ray Quinn turned out while Rough Copy and BAM played the live stage as the sensational Soccer Six prodigal daughter Louisa Johnson again delivered a stunning performance. Appropriately on the pitch the strong musical theme thrived. A new unique artist Maverick Sabre assembled a team who pipped Indie band The Vaccines to the crown and departed with happy memories, a big shiny trophy and a place on the coveted Soccer Six Rock n Roll of Honour.
Champions
Dappy
Finalists
TOWIE
Another Soccer Sixfest saw segways n’ sunshine as an array of stars bombed around in a record turn-out of musicians. While many key You Tubers attended the event really watered its musical roots with over 100 multi-genre artists attending. HRVY was another emerging superstar while Louisa Johnson looked the star she was about to become - winning X Factor mentored by Rita Ora. The football was equally buzzy as Dappy won silverware defeating TOWIE. Rufus Taylor from rock royalty Queen stock starred for The Darkness overcoming Diamond Days for another rock event gong while This Feeling beat XFM in the Indie industry tournie where Jack Jones of Trampolene shone.
Champions
Rudimental
Finalists
Ex On The Beach
CUP were made an Official Event Partner of the Queen Elizabeth Park, showcasing the legacy, 4 years after the 2012 Olympic Games - opening the adjacent Community Stadium with a Soccer Six event. Sadiq Khan was to appear and again The Stars Came Out To Play that year. Old faves The Janoskians flew in while Dappy, FIFA Manny and players from MTV, The Apprentice, Kiss FM, Goggle Box & Geordie Shore attended. In the tournaments The Janoskians were pipped on penalties by Big Brother while music superstars Rudimental triumphed over MTV with The London Stadium backdrop , testament to The Olympic Games.
Champions
Room 94
Finalists
Nash Grier
Following previous You Tube heavyweights attending the fans- Soccer Sixers – wanted more. A new social media phenomenon – vines – attracted two of the worlds’ biggest from the USA, brothers Nash & Hayes Grier. Scores of fans greeted them at Heathrow and camped outside their Camden apartment. Hysteria ensued on the day as Nash Grier scored goals at will, beating The Apprentice in the semis. Ironically it was the brothers from pop band Room 94 that proved too strong nabbing the trophy if not the attention from Nash. The girls final was a feisty affair with Maisie Smith, Lydia Lucy, Gabz & Annabelle Davis overcoming Saffron Barker & Anastasia Kingsnorth.
Champions
Big Brother
Finalists
The Janoskians
Champions
Mallory Knox
Finalists
The Darkness
A new golden era began with a strong musical origin return as over 50 band squads, with 500 players, showed up in the biggest gathering of musos ever assembled for a tournament. While the networking and football was immense the music resonated as the live stage created new heroes with the iconic Canary Wharf backdrop. On the pitch Lorraine Stanley & Emily Capel starred while Mallory Knox edged out The Darkness for the rock title. In one of many tournaments This Feeling & XFM excelled in the indie industry event while the Main honours went to Tom Grennan who scored as they overcame Milburn to create Soccer Six history and pave the way for the next generation.
Champions
Tom Grennan
Finalists
Milburn
Champions
Dappy
Finalists
Mic Righteous
Post pandemic, the event eased back to Mile End with a real Soccer Sixfest vibe. Over a hundred musicians & celebrities showed with a new wave of influencers borne in lockdown. Live music featured while bands The Assist and winners The Chase performed on stage in their football kit ! Dappy of NDUBZ took glory overcoming rapper Mic Righteous’ team that included World Boxing champ Takaloo, actors Alex Walkinshaw & Bobby Brazier and Spandau Ballets’ Steve Norman. The girls stole the show with singer Kele Le Roc on hand to guide new shining stars Abbie McCarthy, Katie Owen & Louise Schofield towards the Soccer Six 30th anniversary in 2025.