Gladiator Diamond Returns To Sporting Roots At Soccer Aid For UNICEF

Livi Sheldon, also known as Gladiator Diamond, is the representative for the World XI team in the Soccer Aid for Unicef event.

Diamond, a famous participant of the popular television gameshow Gladiators, will be representing the World XI team in the upcoming soccer match, Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Through this event, Diamond aims to inspire young girls and demonstrate to them that there are numerous pathways to continue their sporting endeavors.

Livi Sheldon, who is 30 years old and uses the nickname Diamond, used to play as a midfielder for Worcester City. However, she later shifted her attention to the sport of body-building. Due to her talent in this area, she was asked to join the newest season of Gladiators, which is a popular TV show that airs on Saturday nights and was recently brought back by the BBC.

Sheldon has been chosen to participate in Soccer Aid, an annual charity game raising money for UNICEF. The event involves two teams made up of retired soccer players and celebrities, including Usain Bolt, Alessandro del Piero, and Roberto Carlos. Soccer Aid was founded in 2006 by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes. Since then, it has generated more than $115 million for UNICEF UK via public donations and ticket sales. Sheldon is excited to return to the soccer field and contribute to this worthy cause.

In Manchester, England on June 11th, the World XI Manager, Robbie Williams, presented the victorious team of Soccer Aid for Unicef 2023 with the prestigious shield at Old Trafford. The event was captured in a photograph taken by Matt McNulty and shared through Getty Images.

Sheldon is excited to get back into the sport she adores, having previously been on multiple teams in Worcester. She started playing at the age of six and continued until she was in college, around 18 or 19 years old, before taking a break. However, she did have a brief return to the game for a couple of years when she was 23 or 24. After that, she didn't play at all until she was invited to participate in Soccer Aid.

It has been some time since I last updated, but I have been diligently training and have received ample support from Worcester City, who graciously allowed me to train with them once more. Nicole, the woman in charge, is truly outstanding. Her leadership has led to impressive strides in the development of Worcester City Women as a team.

After Sheldon quit playing soccer on the women's team, there has been a significant rise in its popularity, mostly due to England's victory at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022. In hindsight, Sheldon acknowledges that if she were starting now, there would be more chances to pursue a successful career in the sport.

I really would have enjoyed being a pro football player. The chances girls have nowadays are amazing. There is a developmental squad for kids as young as six at Worcester City. They take them through various age groups, offering incredible opportunities for different teams. If I were Liv growing up today, I believe she could've become a pro footballer.

If Sheldon was a part of the Women's Super League, she'd be one of the uncommon women in the competition who stands tall like her. Only one outfield player in the top women's league measures up to six feet. Sheldon is amazed and finds it ridiculous that there's only one six-foot-tall player. She admits that when she used to play football, she would use her height to win headers and take advantage of the situation. None of her coaches have ever used her height against her, instead, they've always encouraged her.

Without a doubt, I believe that being a tall girl is something special and uncommon. Not many girls are as tall as six feet, so it's important for me to be relatable and prove to young, tall girls that they can pursue anything they set their minds to and stay true to who they are.

"Don't shy away. Previously, I would stoop and attempt to conceal myself more. Presently, whenever I enter a room, I stand tall. In fact, I make an effort to appear even taller! I am no longer hesitant to wear high heels. As females, we are capable of achieving anything!"

On March 27, 2024, Livi Sheldon, who goes by the name Gladiator Diamond, was at Cineworld Leicester Square in London, England for a preview of the movie Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros. captured the moment.

Even though Sheldon's height is beneficial for her role as a Gladiator, it posed some difficulties during her school years when most kids wanted to blend in. She was a victim of bullying from a tender age, but fortunately, her passion for football helped her cope with the situation. By joining a team, she found a supportive community that boosted her self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, playing her favorite sport was a sanctuary that distracted her from her insecurities and provided her with a chance to showcase her skills. Sheldon's fondness for football began then and still endures to this day.

Eventually, Sheldon decided to go beyond football and explore other aspects of life. She became a body-builder and even made it to the finals of the "Toned Figure" competition in Britain. The reason behind her decision was explained by her, saying that after quitting football, she took a hiatus from all sports and was uncertain of what path to take. That's when she started hitting the gym and working out, leading her to discover her passion for body-building. What she loved about it was being able to have control over transforming her own body.

Possibly due to facing bullying for my appearance, it is highly likely that this experience led me towards weight training. This activity can often be done independently which means that I needed to find my own inspiration. While there may be coaches and other individuals nearby, I learned how to take care of myself and develop self-assurance through this sport.

I really enjoyed the feeling of strength and confidence that came with going to the gym and lifting weights. It was amazing to see my body become stronger and transform my physique over time. I particularly enjoyed being able to target specific body parts and shape my physique into exactly what I wanted it to be.

Sheldon has been asked to participate in the 13th Soccer Aid match, and she feels she has made a complete round. Despite the many famous people in attendance, Sheldon is especially enthusiastic about meeting Karen Carney, who is a former professional footballer for England's women's national team. She admits that she is extremely looking forward to playing with her. When she was young, Karen Carney signed a pair of shoes for Sheldon, which is still something the athlete cherishes to this day. Sheldon thinks it would be fantastic to play against and alongside Karen Carney.

Karen Carney was captured during one of her training sessions at Champneys Tring in preparation for the Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023 match that is scheduled to take place on Sunday. The image was taken on Friday, June 9, 2023, and was documented by Bradley Collyer.

The game's earnings for this year have the potential to aid UNICEF in safeguarding children against illnesses, malnutrition, administering vaccinations for childhood diseases like measles, and lending aid in crisis-ridden regions, such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, to get them back on the path of learning. The Children's Investment Fund Foundation has generously agreed to match every contribution made this year, doubled up to £4 million ($5 million).

As a gesture of gratitude toward their supporters, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has introduced a unique opportunity during their live show. Anyone who donates during the event may receive a personal phone call from an unexpected celebrity guest. This exciting feature is known as the "Appreciation Station", and it allows lucky donors to talk directly with the celebrity guest, who will be broadcasting live from the stadium.

Sheldon knows firsthand the importance of sports as a safe haven during his childhood, which is why he fully comprehends the necessity of raising funds. He simply implores individuals to tune in on Sunday to view the event as this noble initiative significantly impacts children and their accessibility to participating in sports.

"The reason behind my present self is sports. Therefore, I believe it's crucial for every child to have a secure environment to indulge in sports. That's precisely what we are striving for, with Soccer Aid, and that's why we're holding this game to collect funds for UNICEF. Urgently, it's essential that we receive those contributions."

If you would like to make a contribution to Soccer Aid for UNICEF, please visit this website.