Louis Tomlinson to play in charity soccer game

Louis Tomlinson will have his soccer skills tested by fellow celebrities at an upcoming charity match, Soccer Aid.

The One Direction star is a keen soccer fan, and occasionally plays for his hometown team Doncaster Rovers FC on a non-contract basis, but he has not been spotted on the professional soccer pitch for months, especially since the birth of his son Freddie in January (16).

He will be dusting off his soccer boots to join the charity match for the first time, which takes place at the Old Trafford venue in Manchester, England on 5 June (16).

“I’m really excited to play in this year’s Soccer Aid event,” Louis says in a statement. “Unicef as a charity, and its workers, continue to amaze me and helping even in this small way is a privilege.”

The singer will play on the England team, led by pop star and United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) U.K. ambassador Robbie Williams, who will also act as assistant manager.

Other team members include pop star Olly Murs, former JLS star Marvin Humes and comedians Paddy McGuinness, Jack Whitehall and John Bishop.

They will compete against the The Rest of the World squad, which is lead by Welsh actor and fellow UNICEF U.K. ambassador Michael Sheen. He is joined by Scottish-born celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Irish singer Nicky Byrne. More players are set to be announced.

Louis, 24, is no stranger to charity soccer matches - he played for Doncaster Rovers in a 2013 game against Aston Villa, but he suffered a nasty tackle from Aston Villa professional Gabby Agbonlahor and vomited at the side of the pitch.

The singer recently won a competition to design the away kit for Doncaster, but fans accused club bosses of fixing the draw. Louis' grandfather Len has since revealed Louis is planning to donate his prize, which included a Thailand vacation.

Soccer Aid was started by Robbie and his pal Jonathan Wilkes, who is also playing, and has helped raised $24 million for UNICEF.

The 10th anniversary match will be broadcast live in the U.K. with commentary by presenters Dermot O'Leary and Kirsty Gallacher.