The Sidemen Charity Match has become a landmark event in the YouTube creator landscape. This annual friendly football match pits the British YouTube group known as the Sidemen against a team of fellow YouTubers, the YouTube Allstars.
But it’s about much more than just bragging rights on the pitch. The Sidemen Charity Match is a celebration of community, camaraderie, and raising significant funds for worthy causes.
A Legacy of Giving: How it All Began
The Sidemen, consisting of seven popular British YouTubers (KSI, Miniminter, Zerkaa, W2S, Behzinga, Vikkstar123, and Harry), have been entertaining audiences with gaming challenges, pranks, and comedic skits for over a decade. In 2016, they decided to leverage their massive combined viewership for a good cause. The first Sidemen Charity Match was held at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, raising over £110,000 for the Saints Foundation.
The event was a resounding success, breaking records for YouTube Gaming livestream viewership at the time, with over 600,000 people tuning in to witness the beautiful game collide with the online world. Due to logistical challenges, there was a hiatus after the 2018 edition held at The Valley in London. However, the Sidemen Charity Match returned triumphantly in 2023, bigger and better than ever before.
More Than Just a Football Match: A Celebration of Community
The Sidemen Charity Match transcends the boundaries of a simple football game. It’s a vibrant festival of YouTube culture. Fans get a chance to see their favourite creators step outside their usual content zones and showcase their athletic prowess (or lack thereof) on the field. The camaraderie between the Sidemen and the YouTube Allstars, often featuring guest appearances from renowned YouTubers and even celebrities, adds a layer of lighthearted fun to the competition.
The atmosphere is electric, with a dedicated fanbase cheering on both sides. The pre-match hype, often documented through vlogs and behind-the-scenes content, fuels the anticipation. The Sidemen themselves actively promote the event across their channels, further amplifying the excitement.
Showcasing Skills (and Sometimes Shenanigans)
While competition is fierce, there’s always a healthy dose of friendly banter and lighthearted humour on the pitch. The Sidemen are known for their playful personalities, which often translate into hilarious moments during the match. From outrageous tackles (looking at you, Zerkaa) to questionable refereeing decisions (courtesy of a guest YouTuber ref), these unscripted moments create a unique and entertaining spectacle.
However, don’t be fooled by the laughs. Both teams train seriously for the event, and the matches themselves are fiercely contested affairs. Skilled footwork, impressive saves, and thrilling goals keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
The Bigger Picture: Charity at the Heart of the Event
The true essence of the Sidemen Charity Match lies in its charitable purpose. Each year, the Sidemen select a different charity to support. Past recipients include the Teenage Cancer Trust, UNICEF, and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
The event raises a significant amount of money through various channels. Ticket sales, merchandise sales, and donations from viewers watching the live stream all contribute to the cause. The Sidemen often leverage their sponsorships to increase the overall donation amount.
The 2023 edition, held at the prestigious London Stadium, was a resounding success. The Sidemen FC secured a thrilling 8-5 victory against the YouTube Allstars, but the real winner was the chosen charity, receiving a substantial donation to support their work.
The Future of the Sidemen Charity Match: A Growing Legacy
The Sidemen Charity Match has become a cornerstone event in the online entertainment landscape. It’s a testament to the power of community building and content creation. It showcases the positive impact YouTubers can have by utilizing their platform for social good.
With each year, the Sidemen Charity Match seems to grow bigger and better. The 2023 edition raised the bar significantly, with a larger venue, increased viewership, and a record-breaking donation. As the Sidemen and their channels continue to thrive, so too will the Sidemen Charity Match, leaving a lasting legacy of entertainment and charitable giving.
FAQs
Q. What is the Sidemen Charity Match?
The Sidemen Charity Match is an annual friendly football match organized by the popular British YouTube group, the Sidemen. It’s a star-studded event where the Sidemen (all seven members) and their YouTuber friends face off against another team, usually called the “YouTube Allstars,” also featuring well-known YouTubers.
Q. What’s the purpose?
The main goal is to raise money for various charities. Each year, the Sidemen select a different cause to support.
Q. When was the last Sidemen Charity Match?
The most recent Sidemen Charity Match was held on September 9th, 2023, at the London Stadium.
Q. Who won the last Sidemen Charity Match?
Sidemen FC emerged victorious, defeating the YouTube Allstars with a score of 8-5.
Q. How much money did they raise in the last match?
Official figures haven’t been released yet, but previous matches have raised significant sums. The 2023 match is expected to be their biggest fundraiser yet.
Q. Where can I watch highlights of the last Sidemen Charity Match?
You can find highlights and possibly the full match on the Sidemen’s YouTube channel YouTube
Q. Will there be another Sidemen Charity Match?
While there hasn’t been an official announcement, considering the success of the previous matches, the Sidemen will likely continue this charitable tradition.
Q. How can I stay updated on future Sidemen Charity Matches?
Follow the Sidemen’s social media channels (YouTube, Twitter, Instagram) for announcements and updates on future matches.
Q. Can I participate in the Sidemen Charity Match?
Unfortunately, participation is limited to invited YouTubers. But you can support the cause by tuning in to the live stream, donating to the chosen charity, and purchasing official merchandise.
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