The high-profile fixture will take place at the County Ground on Sunday 3 May 2026. The event will support the men’s mental health charity Men and Their Emotions.
Dyer will line up for Team M.A.T.E, a side made up of celebrities, musicians and online personalities aiming to challenge the stigma around men speaking about their mental health.
He is best known for his long-running role in the BBC soap EastEnders and has been confirmed as one of the headline names for the match.
Team M.A.T.E will be led by comedian and actor Daniel O’Reilly, who founded the charity after his own experiences with addiction and suicidal thoughts.
Now three years sober, O’Reilly launched the organisation to create spaces where men feel able to speak openly and seek help.
Joining the team are social media personality Cole Anderson, influencer Mashtag Brady, DJ and musician Tom Zanetti and television personality Gaz Beadle.
Singer and television personality Olly Murs is also expected to attend, with organisers saying further names will be announced in the coming weeks.
The opposing side, Team Harvey, will be captained by MC Harvey of So Solid Crew. Former professional footballers, including Neil Ruddock, are set to feature.
The match was inspired by Swindon organiser Gary Read following the suicide of local resident Steve Bailey.
Bailey, described as a working family man who had been quietly battling mental health issues, left behind his family when he died. The event has been organised partly in his memory and aims to raise awareness of support available to men facing similar struggles.
Daniel O’Reilly said:
“This match is about more than football, it is about showing men that it is okay to talk, to feel and to ask for help.
“We are bringing big names and big energy to Swindon to save lives and smash the stigma.”
Event organiser Gary Read said:
“After losing a close friend to suicide, I have seen first-hand how vital groups like M.A.T.E are.
“Teaming up with Swindon Town and these incredible celebrities will help us reach more men and make a real difference.”
Men and Their Emotions runs a large peer-support community, including a Facebook group with more than 64,000 members where men can share experiences and seek advice in a non-judgemental environment.
Funds raised through ticket sales, donations and activities linked to the match will support the charity’s work, including free counselling, dry housing and direct support for men in crisis.
Kick-off is at 1pm. Tickets are available through the Swindon Town FC website and via Skiddle.
