Star Sixes returns for second season as Scotland set to play host to star-studded event
World-class six-a-side football is coming to Scotland as Glasgow is today confirmed as the venue for the next Star Sixes – the second edition of the competitive tournament for international legends.
The SSE Hydro will host three days of scintillating six-a-side action when a galaxy of stars representing six teams – hosts Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Wales and Rest of the World – renew old rivalries from January 4-6, 2019.
Presented by Pitch International (London), in partnership with Football Champions Tour, a leading sports management agency, Glasgow will host the first regional edition of the tournament following the hugely successful Star Sixes World Cup at The O2 in London in July 2017.
Former Rangers midfield general Barry Ferguson will be aiming to make home advantage count by captaining Scotland to glory against the likes of France World Cup winner Robert Pires, skipper of the Rest of the World side, and England striker Michael Owen.
Every Star Sixes player will be a former international and with each country selecting a ten-man squad, more star names will be announced in the coming weeks.
Neil Bailey, Stars Sixes CEO, said: “The inaugural Star Sixes World Cup produced some absolutely thrilling six-a-side action and unforgettable goals and we’re delighted to be bringing the first regional edition of the tournament to Glasgow.
“Grouping the Home Nations with the Republic of Ireland and a star-studded Rest of the World team promises to deliver some truly exhilarating matches.
“The passion of Scotland supporters is renowned worldwide and I’ve no doubt they will create an incredible atmosphere inside the SSE Hydro, which is the perfect venue for Star Sixes.”
Ferguson, capped 45 times by his country, is proud to be representing Scotland at Star Sixes for the second time, having created some magical moments in London. The Hamilton-born player scored with an audacious chip in the Scots’ opening victory against Mexico, while Mark Burchill converted one of the goals of the tournament in the same match.
“The first Star Sixes featured world superstars like Rivaldo, Alessandro Del Piero and Steven Gerrard and was an incredible experience,” said Ferguson.
“Being on home soil, the upcoming Star Sixes promises to be even more special. The matches between the home nations and Republic of Ireland will no doubt be as fast and furious as local derbies. With the Tartan Army behind us, we’ll be looking to go all the way.”
The six teams will play each other once in a mini-league, with the top two teams qualifying for the Star Sixes Final, when the much-coveted Star Sixes trophy will be at stake. The final will be preceded by third- and fifth-placed play-offs.
With each day of competition featuring six matches and all six nations in action twice, Star Sixes tickets – priced from £20 adults and £10 Under-16s – offer great value. The Friday, January 4 session will kick-off at 19:00, the Saturday, January 5 session at 15:00 and the Sunday, January 6 session at 17:00.
“We won a Euro 2000 play-off the last time I played for England in Glasgow,” noted Owen, who won 89 caps and netted 40 times for the Three Lions.
“I also polished off a great team goal when we beat Scotland 3-1 at the last Star Sixes, so we’ll be looking to keep that run going!
“Star Sixes matches are quick, competitive and full of goals. Anybody who thinks the players won’t be taking it seriously should check out the video of Carles Puyol’s challenge on Phil Neville in the opening match last year!”
Arsenal legend Pires will be aiming to reclaim the Star Sixes trophy, having captained France to victory at the Star Sixes World Cup in London.
“Lifting the Star Sixes trophy after renewing old rivalries with some of the biggest names to have played the game was an incredibly proud moment for me and my French team-mates,” said the Euro 2000 champion.
“French teams are making a habit of winning world titles!
“I’ll be calling on some of the stars of the last Star Sixes to line-up in my Rest of the World squad. I’m heading to Glasgow with a clear goal – to make it two in two!”
Former Celtic midfielder Simon Donnelly scored Scotland’s first Star Sixes goal in London and can’t wait to pull on the national jersey again.
“Star Sixes is the closest I’ve felt to being a professional footballer since retiring and I can’t wait to join up with Barry and the rest of the Scotland lads,” he said.
“We got off to a great start at the last tournament but didn’t build on our opening win. We’re determined to make a bigger impact in January, especially on home soil.”
Star Sixes adheres to 11-a-side football rules as closely as possible and includes: no restrictions on player movement; no head-height rule; no perimeter wall/barriers; rolling substitutions; kick-ins replace throw-ins. Each match will be 25 minutes long, with both teams able to call a 90-second timeout.
As well as world-class football action, a spectacular show will be built around the matches making this an unmissable occasion for the whole family.
Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday, October 5 and can be purchased online via SSE Hydro, Ticketmaster or by clicking here.
