News

The John Peel World Cup Returns To Sound City

• 15th Apr 2010

Liverpool Sound City have confirmed the return of one of the favourite off-shoots to the upcoming international festival bringing together the city’s two biggest passions football and music, The John Peel World Cup will be held on Wednesday 19th May at the state-of-the-art football facilities at Powerleague in the Everton district of the city.

Twelve five-a-side football teams made up of celebrities, bands and city dwellers battle it out to take home the treasured trophy that is dedicated to one of Liverpool’s favourite sons. It carries a long tradition of the celebrity football tournaments that was initiated by Phil Hayes (The Picket) and Peter Hooton (The Farm), a competitive tournament that is not for the faint hearted.

Peter Hooton from The Farm quotes “The John Peel World Cup is a fantastic way to enjoy John’s great loves of football and music and the city. The tournament is great fun but it’s also for a top cause and everyone takes it seriously once they’re on the pitch. It’s certainly a laugh watching bands take a lump out of each other.”

The legendary Wirral born Radio One DJ and music broadcaster John Peel never hid his hometown pride. A passionate supporter of Liverpool FC and homegrown bands and music, the radio presenter often discussed football matters on air, gathering admiration and criticism in equal measures. Sadly the broadcaster died in 2004, but he is set to be remembered with the third annual John Peel World Cup, as ever all proceeds from the football tournament will go to the British Heart Foundation which is the nominated charity for John’s Family.

Over the past few years we have had teams supporting the charity from The Farm, The Wombats, The Zutons, Deltasonic Records, BBC 6 Music, Clash, Universal Records, Domino Records, NME, Cream, Liverpool Music Week and Elevator Studios. The Picket are amongst the first to sign up a team to compete this year. The John Peel events will take place on the opening day of the music festival with the footballing action takes place during the day and an evening event at o2 Academy with the winners collecting their medals live onstage and bathing in pink Champagne at the John Peel Celebration night with special guests The Fall.

A competition will also be announced shortly for a local team to take part in the tournament, watch this space.