Regal FC is a the new institute of contemporary football culture that was launched late last year by Chivas Regal. A club devoted to celebrating the eternal influence of the game across all corners of the globe and across every inch of football, fashion, music, arts and entertainment. 

One of the key aims of Regal FC is to bring together a range of industry-leading talent and creatives from across sports and entertainment to create unique experiences that are enriched in football culture. 

Last year saw them do just that when they came together to officially launch the brand with the inaugural Regal FC Rooftop 5’s tournamanet. The game welcomed a range of the biggest names across sports and entertainment to build out their own specialist ideas and go head-to-head in a straight knockout competition. The winner bagged £5,000 for their chosen charity and the trophy was lifted. 

With some players invited back for the second time to come and play as part of Regal FC, this time the bar was raised and Team UK and World XL would battle it out in an 11-a-side game on the pitch at Old Trafford. 

For many of the local players, Old Trafford is where they dreamt of playing as children or came to watch the great Alex Ferguson win trophies time and time again. For players in World XL, The Theatre of Dreams was hundreds or even thousands of miles away and was only ever seen on TV or in newspapers. Old Trafford is a place where players have entered themselves onto the world stage, numerous trophies have been won, and the top managers have graced the sidelines. Playing here was enough to make any football fan nervous. 

The true Old Trafford experience was all it lived up to be. With former players such as Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Louis Saha and Andy Cole gracing us with their presence. The team’s kits were hung in the dressing rooms and the teams were welcomed onto the pitch where they’d see out the next 80 minutes in true Manchester United fashion. 

The two teams combined of musicians, actors and what some would argue - should have been footballers, were playing their hearts out for the full 80 minutes. Managed by Andy Cole and John O’Shea, the teams were keen to impress. A thrilling game in what ended as a 5-5 draw, saw Team UK take the win in a game of American penalties. 

The winner of the Regal FC Game Day won a £4000 cheque to support a localised community initiative, Grassroots for Good, with the runner-up receiving a further £1000 for Alive and Kicking.

A top day out with some very valid skills on offer and donations to top charities. Regal FC, we’re loving what you’re creating.

Photography: Jonathan Tomlinson