Stars out in force for 'Football For Change' charity gala in Manchester

Video report by Granada Reports Entertainment Correspondent Caroline Whitmore.

Football for Change is an initiative to help young people, which was launched in 2021 by Jamie Carragher, Liverpool FC's Trent Alexander Arnold and footballer Conor Coady.

The first charity ball was held last year and raised £250,000 for the charity which helps young, disadvantaged children make their mark in education and business.

The second glitzy charity gala, in Manchester on Thursday, 22 September, raised a whopping £350,000.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said: "It's about bringing ex-footballers and current players together.

"We use our profile, our platforms, to create a charity to raise lots of money to help young people within this country.

"Most footballers come from a working class, family or backgrounds and like to give something back to their area. And by making it national, we can stretch to everybody."

Television and Radio Presenter Vernon Kay, who is originally from Bolton, was hosting the evening.

He said: "The foundation has a great line up here at the Emirates Old Trafford. Mel C from the Spice Girls, Noel Gallagher from the Oasis.

"It's like a 90s reunion. It's like the Brits from like 1995".

Among the glitz and glamour was Salford comedian Jason Manford, who described the evening as "an important event".

He said:"Any time that someone rings me and says come and help - I'm always there."

Noel Gallagher and his band High Flying Birds were headlining the event.

Former Liverpool FC star Jamie Carragher said he would be dancing and singing along to Noel's tunes despite his love for Manchester City.

"Not a problem", Jamie laughs. "There's some things that are more important than football.

"Certainly raising money to help people for Football for Change is certainly one of them.

"I think we can have a little truce with the Oasis Brothers and we'll all be mates for this."