Sam Bailey, winner of The X Factor, is rallying a team of celebrity names for a special charity football match in support of Young Epilepsy.
The match will take place at Anstey Nomads Football Club on Sunday, 21 September 2025, with all proceeds going to the national charity dedicated to supporting children and young people living with epilepsy—a cause that’s deeply personal to Sam, who hails from Leicester.
Picture: Sam Bailey
Now an official ambassador for Young Epilepsy, Sam has opened up about her family’s experience since her son Tommy was diagnosed with generalised epilepsy last year.
“It was absolutely terrifying,” she recalls. “One of his seizures was so severe we ended up in hospital, and that’s when we got the diagnosis. Since then, it’s been a tough journey of hospital visits, medication trials, and emotional highs and lows.”
Throughout their journey, Young Epilepsy has provided dedicated one-to-one support to the family. “They’ve been amazing,” Sam says. “They helped us understand epilepsy, how to manage it day-to-day, and—most importantly—how to help Tommy feel safe and confident again.”
Determined to raise awareness and break down stigma, Sam is using her platform to support others in similar situations. “This match is more than just a game—it’s about giving hope to families affected by epilepsy,” she says. “We want to show them they’re not alone.”
Picture: Sam and her son Tommy (supplied)
The charity match promises a packed lineup of celebrities, including TV favourites, social media stars, and former professional footballers. Expected to take the field are Dan Osborne, Calum Best, Jake Wood, Cal the Dragon, Man Like Haks, and former Leicester City players David Nugent, Martyn Waghorn, and Conrad Logan. Other familiar faces include Ricky Groves, Matt Lapinskas, Bleu Landau, and cast members from Love Island, Married at First Sight, and Britain’s Got Talent.
Tickets are available now via Eventbrite. Standard admission is £12 plus booking fee, with free entry for under-2s. A limited number of VIP tickets are on sale for £40, which includes early access from 1:00pm and a chance to meet at least ten of the celebrity players before general entry begins at 1:30pm. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00pm.
For more details and to book tickets, visit the event’s Eventbrite page.
