A star-studded charity football match will take place in Swindon next month to raise funds for a men’s mental health charity founded by comedian Daniel O’Reilly.
The event, organised in support of Men and Their Emotions – M.A.T.E, will be held at Swindon Town FC’s County Ground on Sunday 3 May 2026.
M.A.T.E was set up by Daniel O’Reilly, also known as Dapper Laughs, following his own struggles with severe drug addiction and suicidal thoughts.
Now three years sober, he has become a campaigner for men’s mental health and works to tackle the stigma around speaking openly about emotions.
The charity says it provides a safe, non-judgmental space for men through its online community of more than 64,000 members on Facebook, offering peer-to-peer support.
Funds raised from ticket sales, donations and other activities will go towards free counselling, dry housing and wider support services.
The match will see Team M.A.T.E face Team Harvey, with a host of celebrities and former professional footballers confirmed to take part.
Team M.A.T.E is set to include Matt Lapinskas, Tamer Hassan, Joe Cordina, Cole Anderson, Mashtag Brady, Gaz Beadle, Sonny Green and Daniel O’Reilly.
Team Harvey will be captained by MC Harvey of So Solid Crew. Players are expected to include Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, Jamie O’Hara, Hayden Mullins, Danny Simpson, Leon Britton, Marc Bircham, Tyler D’Cruz, Kevin Betsy, Derek Asamoah, Courtney Massey, Dean Morgan, Chris Dickson, Andy Powell and Jermaine Rico.
Chart-topping singer and television personality Olly Murs is also due to attend as a special guest.
The event was inspired by local organiser Gary Read following the death of Swindon resident Steve Bailey, who died by suicide. He was described as a working family man who had been quietly battling mental health issues.
The match is being staged in partnership with Swindon Town FC and will honour the memory of Steve Bailey and others who have lost their lives to mental health struggles.
Daniel O’Reilly said: “This match is about more than football—it’s about showing men that it’s okay to talk, to feel, and to ask for help. We’re bringing big names and big energy to Swindon to save lives and smash the stigma.”
He added: “We’re bringing big names and big energy to Swindon to save lives and smash the stigma.”
Event organiser Gary Read said: “After losing a close friend to suicide, I’ve seen first-hand how vital groups like M.A.T.E are. Teaming up with Swindon Town and these incredible celebrities will help us reach more men and make a real difference.”
Tickets for the match are available here.
