At Grosvenor House on Monday 7^th October, Legends of Football, in aid of music charity Nordoff and Robbins, honoured Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer, Wayne Rooney and England’s most capped women’s player, Fara Williams MBE. (This should be the short blurb – then full release is below on a separate page)

The duo were officially unveiled at the prestigious event, joining an esteemed list of recipients, including Pelé, David Beckham, Arsène Wenger, and most recently, Arsenal legend Ian Wright and former Chelsea FC Women’s manager Emma Hayes.

On accepting the award, Wayne Rooney said, “I am delighted to receive the 2024 Legends of Football award. The award has been previously awarded to some of the biggest names in the game, to be recognised alongside all of them including some of my teammates, opponents and footballing icons means a lot. Throughout my life and career; music has always been a massive influence and inspiration for me, and to see how Nordoff and Robbins use music to help people connect and communicate is truly special. I’m really looking forward to celebrating with Fara for a great night of football, music and fundraising at Grosvenor House.”

On the announcement of her award, Fara Williams said, ‘‘I am absolutely delighted to receive the 2024 Legends of Football award. This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. I’m delighted to be part of a brilliant evening of football and music to support Nordoff and Robbins, they play a hugely important role in improving the lives of people across society through music. Music therapy is such a powerful way of allowing people to communicate and express themselves, and I hope any money raised through the event can continue to support their incredible work.”

In attendance on the night were a host of stars from football and music including: Roy Hodgson, Sean Dyche, Wes Morgan, Dan Walker, Reshmin Chowdhury, Theo Walcott, Jill Scott, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Darron Gibson, Hayley Mcqueen, Hope Powell, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Darren Bent, David Moyes, Jamie Carragher, Owen Hargreaves, Ainsley Harriott, Alan Smith, Jan Age Fjotoft, Kola Bokinni, Abbi Summers, Adam Mckola, Alex Bailess, Laurie Whitwell and The Courteeners.  

Proceeds from the evening’s fundraising will go towards supporting Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.

Legends of Football Chairman, Geoff Shreeves and Kelly Cates hosted the star-studded evening, with Manchester rock band the Courteeners performing as the headline musical act.