OnSide showcased to over 12 million people at Sidemen’s annual charity football match at Wembley

A new film bringing to life the powerful impact of Youth Zones aired during this year’s 2026 Sidemen Charity Football Match. The annual event, which raises money for our charity partner the Bright Side Foundation, reached an audience of more than 12 million online alongside a sold-out crowd at Wembley Stadium. 

As one of the charities supported by Bright Side Foundation, we were invited to feature in the film to help show audiences where funds raised through the Sidemen Charity Match go, and the life-changing difference that support is making for thousands of young people across the UK through charities like OnSide. 

Sidemen are a prominent British YouTube group and entertainment collective, widely regarded as one of Europe’s largest, made up of seven internet personalities. They established Bright Side Foundation in 2023 to raise funds for charities and organisations supporting young people through access to safe spaces, opportunities and education. 

Premiered during the official livestream and inside a sold-out Wembley Stadium, the VT featured Legacy Youth Zone in Croydon, where Sidemen favourite Vikkstar visited to meet young people, take part in activities and hear first-hand what the Youth Zone means to them. 

The film, which you can watch, captured the energy, opportunity and support that Youth Zones provide every day. During his visit, Vikkstar said: “We chose to support OnSide because they have incredible spaces and they have trusted adults and youth workers who can help the kids that go there learn new skills, get employability and have a safe and fun space to enjoy themselves.” 

This year’s Sidemen Charity Match raised over £6.2 million, with donations benefitting Bright Side, M7 Education and other charity partners. This funding will help charities like OnSide to continue providing young people with safe spaces, trusted adults and life-changing opportunities. 

As part of the experience, more than 50 young people from Legacy Youth Zone were also gifted tickets to attend the match in person. For many, it was a chance to be part of one of YouTube’s biggest charity events and to see their Youth Zone recognised on a national stage. 

The VT was a powerful opportunity to highlight the importance of youth work at a time when many young people are facing increasing challenges, and to shine a light on the incredible work of our Youth Zone teams across the Network. 

We’re hugely grateful to the Bright Side Foundation and the Sidemen team for their continued support, and for helping us bring the importance of youth work to a wider audience.