StriveAid 2026 had the perfect balance of football icons, social media stars and rising prodigies at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium at Worthing FC. Striver ran a competition for young players to apply for a chance to play in the Rising Stars game before then earning a chance to play in the final game at the end through their performances.
The winner this year was aspiring footballer Benji Loetz who after showing his class was picked to play with some of his idols.
The Surprise Call-Up
Benji didn't just play in two matches on that day and he explained how he managed to seal his place in the Charity Match while speaking to Jude Mercer of Striver:
"I originally sent an email saying what I was about, that I love football, and describing the career I've had so far. I actually had a game in the morning on Saturday for my own club, and then I went along to StriveAid and played the first game. About half an hour before the second game started, they came up to me and were like, "Get on your kit, we want you to play." I was absolutely stoked. It was amazing. I was just running around smiling the entire time, so happy to be a part of it. It was just a surreal thing, really."
Asked if he felt any pressure, the aspiring footballer said:
"No, I didn't feel any pressure at all. Because I want to go professional, a lot of my regular football involves very high pressure and high expectations. I went to this event thinking there were no expectations on me whatsoever, and I could just go and enjoy it. That's exactly what I did, and it turned out to be such a great time."
Benji played in an enthralling game at Worthing as Team Gilberto prevailed with an 11-5 victory over Team Lindley. He delved into his performance and how his confidence helps him play his best football:
"I had a pretty poor season last year because I loaded so much pressure on myself. Having less pressure definitely makes me play better. I wasn't expecting to play in the second game at all, and I certainly wasn't expecting my legs to allow me to play a third match that day! But I did some good bits on the ball, made a couple of good passes and moves, and it paid off. It was interesting—bearing in mind the crowd and the occasion, it was probably the biggest game I've ever played in, yet I managed to be the calmest I've ever been."
Benji wasn't the only player to catch the eye at StriveAid as Zaynqf to pick up the Player of the Match award. Former AFC Wimbledon striker Kyle Hudlin also impressed and Benji is looking to similarly make it as a professional.
Who He Moulds his Game After
Jude asked Benji how he'd describe his playing style and whether he prefers scoring or setting teammates up:
"I'm very pacey. I've got the legs to run around all day, and I play quite aggressively. I like to be out on the wing, be powerful, and use my pace to beat players. That's my game. I'd love to play like Gareth Bale, and score goals like Harry Kane."
He added: "Neither, to be honest (prefer a goal or assist). A goal is a goal, and I'm happy to be contributing to it or doing it myself. I'm happy either way."
Playing with the Stars
Jude asked Benji about playing with content creators and how he felt to lace up his boots alongside them:
"Everyone there was just super friendly and welcoming. Big John actually reposted something on my story recently and replied to me, which was great. But honestly, just being in and around that environment, sitting on the bench with everyone, was incredible. Walking around and having little kids ask for photos—even though they had no idea who I was—was super cool."
Benji added: "I was also really impressed with Kyle Hudlin. There was a very high level of football being played, but at the same time, it was a bit of fun. It was the perfect mix between the two."
The young prospect would welcome the chance to play at StriveAid again:
"I'd love to go back next year. I'll definitely re-apply and see if it's a possibility. It was such a privilege to be amongst those top players. No matter how my career goes from here, it will absolutely be something I remember for the rest of my life."
Benji summed up his StriveAid experience: "I'd say it was surreal. It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but an experience that would never get old. It was just a really nice space to be a part of—a perfect mix between taking the football seriously and just letting loose. Ultimately, the key is relaxing and doing the thing that every kid loves to do: playing with the ball and scoring goals."
Next year's StriveAid will offer young players opportunities like Benji to showcase their talent. This year's charity match was the biggest one yet and both games served up entertainment for the crowd.
