A former Chelsea star made their return to football as they came out of retirement at the age of 42 to play for a Sunday league team in a Sky Sports EFL experience match
12:09, 04 Nov 2025
Steve Sidwell
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Steve Sidwell came out of retirement to play for a Sunday league team(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell came out of retirement to play for a Sunday league team in a brilliant Sky Sports takeover.
Sidwell, 42, retired in 2018 after making 200 Premier League appearances and starring for the likes of Aston Villa, Brighton, Fulham, Stoke City and Reading. But the pundit made his comeback to the pitch with Sunday morning team Mercia United.
The centre-midfielder lined up for the Tamworth-based team as they took on Sitters FC in the Tamworth & District Sunday Football League. His move came after Mercia won a nationwide competition.
Over 3,000 teams entered the draw for the chance to receive a full Sky Sports EFL matchday experience, with Sidwell the prize draw for the lucky winners Mercia.
Alongside Sidwell, Sky duo Jobi McAnuff and David Prutton covered the match, with commentator David Stowell calling the action.
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The former Chelsea midfielder playing for Sunday league side Mercia United(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
The players were also refereed by a professional official and received access to match analysts, a trained physio, Jameson match branding and a post-match interview with McAnuff. Mercia were also given a £2,500 voucher to spend on a Puma kit from Pro Direct.
However, Mercia weren’t able to make it work to their advantage as they were beaten 1-0 by the visitors.
Speaking after the run around, Sidwell said: “What a fantastic initiative this is, and I’m proud to have been part of it.
“The non-league teams in this country truly represent the passion of local communities and it’s great to see Jameson and the EFL celebrating and rewarding them with this experience.
Steve Sidwell - Jobi McAnuff
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Sidwell was joined by Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
“I remember my early days playing in these conditions and dreaming of making it pro. The memories from today will stay with these boys forever and hopefully have a lasting impact on the local community.”
Prutton added: “One of my favourite things about my job is getting closer to football communities, and today was a brilliant way to do so.
“Jobi and I had so much fun covering the ultimate matchday experience for Mercia United – and what a treat to see the great Steve Sidwell back on the pitch!
“Initiatives like this highlight the importance of ensuring fans and teams, across the country and leagues, are at the heart of everything we do.
Steve Sidwell
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The former Premier League star enjoyed the full experience of Sunday league(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
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“Campaigns like this from the EFL and Jameson do wonders in promoting a positive, inclusive and fun football environment, and I can’t wait to see what else they do.”
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Mercia club secretary, assistant manager and centre-back Vinny Ibrams said on the club-changing day: “We are delighted to have won this amazing competition and I’m very grateful for the work from Jameson, the EFL and everyone else involved to make this day happen.
“The prizes have enabled us to purchase some new training wear, new equipment and become a bit more financially stable as a Club for the season.
“We’re also thankful to our opponents Sitters FC for being great sports with the day and accommodating the experience.”