Boy band star to live out dream on football pitch

While he’s more used to showcasing his singing skills on stage in front of thousands of screaming teenagers, Tomlinson will live his boyhood dream next week when he plays for his local side, having signed as a non-contract player last month.

The 21-year-old will wear the number 28 shirt in the Central League game against Scunthorpe United at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Earlier this week, he tweeted to his 12 million Twitter followers: “My first game for Rovers is on Wed 18th Sept in aid of @BluebellWoodCH. Tickets £7 . Go get em now!”

Proceeds from the match will go to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in North Anston, near Sheffield.

Before becoming a superstar due to One Direction’s X Factor success, Tomlinson used to play for Doncaster pub side The Three Horseshoes.

A spokesman for Doncaster Rovers said around 2,500 tickets had already been sold.

“We usually get around 100 at a reserve match”, they said. “But last year we sold 9,000 for another reserve match, when Louis played and the rest of the band also turned up.”

Tickets are now on sale from the hotline on 0844 3245590.