David Beckham's charity match

Oct 30, 2007, 13:30 GMT

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Briton david Beckham reacts after missing a shot on goal in the second half of their Major League Soccer match against the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois, USA 21 October 2007. The Fire defeated the Galaxy 1-0. EPA/TANNEN MAURY

David Beckham will play in a charity soccer match to raise funds for the victims of the recent devastating California wildfires.

The British soccer star and his Los Angeles Galaxy team will take on Hollywood United FC - which boasts players including actors Anthony LaPaglia and Jimmy Jean-Louis, as well as soccer hero Frank Leboeuf - in the game on November 4.

Alexi Lalas, Los Angeles Galaxy's president and general manager, said: "Our players are residents of Southern California.

"This is a great way through soccer for us to bring some attention and, most importantly, raise some money. And, in the process, give the people another opportunity to see the stars we have here with the Galaxy."

The match will take place at Carson's Home Depot Centre - home to the Los Angeles Galaxy team - and all proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Over 500,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes - including Hollywood stars Mel Gibson and Olivia Newton-John - during the six-day blaze that began raging across Southern California on October 21.

Gwen Stefani is also doing her bit to help those affected by the disaster, which left at least 12 people dead and destroyed 2,000 homes.

The singer - who grew up in Orange County, California - has announced she will donate the proceeds from her San Diego concert tonight (30.10.07) to victims of the fires.

She said: "When I heard about the devastation of the fires, at first I felt I should cancel my show out of respect, but then it occurred to me there might be a more useful solution."

Gwen described San Diego as her "second home" and revealed the profits will go to The San Diego Foundation's After-the-Fires Fund 2007.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said: "We applaud the generosity of Gwen Stefani."

(C) BANG Media International