Liam Payne rents out the entire stadium at Billericay FC to train for Soccer Aid
ONE Direction star Liam Payne hired out an entire football stadium to practice ahead of this year’s Soccer Aid charity match.
The pop star, 28, called in a favour from a mate who plays for non-league side Billericay Town to use their 5,000 capacity New Lodge for a Wednesday evening kickabout.
He is set to captain the England XI vs Olympic legend Usain Bolt’s World XI when the game takes place at the London Stadium in June.
Liam asked his friend Greg Halford, a journeyman footballer now plying his trade in the non-league, if they could use the pitch for an hour to get some fitness up.
The Wolverhampton-born star, part of megastar boyband One Direction before they split in 2015, is thought to live near to Greg and has become close mates with him
Liam - who supports West Bromich Albion - and a number of pals played for an hour on the pitch, which seats 2,000 fans.
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He was left with a bleeding knee after a full-blooded work out with a group of friends.
A source said: “Liam asked Greg on the off-chance him and some pals could use the pitch and Greg got the wheels in motion.
“He didn’t look too bad considering he has been telling people he’s nervous to be captaining England in such a big game.
“Him and his mates got stuck in and he was left with a bleeding knee but no lasting damage. Liam looked in good nick.”
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Earlier this week Liam hinted at his new regime, posting pics of him in the gym looking chiselled.
He also told fans in an Instagram live that he needed to “learn” how to play ahead of the showdown at West Ham’s stadium in less than two months.
He said: “I’ve been doing some training, getting ready for England.
“Come on England! How does a man that doesn’t play football, captain the England team?
“It’s a big query for all of us isn’t it, but we’re going to find out. It’s been a stressful one learning to play football actually, but it’s been a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the game.”
