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HISTORY OF THE UK3LIONS
​Melville Jimmy Garber also known in the pop world as Jimmy G. Artist, promoter & founder/creator of the 1st official British/English team of ex pro soccer players and football playing celebrity artists under the International concept of ARTFOOTBALL.
The concept of ARTFOOTBALL, combining ART (musicians, actors, painters,writers) and FOOTBALL has been around internationally for nearly 2 decades and some of the teams from countries such as Russia, Poland, Italy, Germany, Belarus, Estonia, Czech Republic, Brazil and Japan have been together for 10+ years and already have a solid pedigree in their countries with established sponsors, supportive media, fan base and travelling/playing regularly nationally & internationally.
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England's Team 3 LIONS was formed in May 2007.
Jimmys first venture as Founder-Manager of Celebrity 3 Lions in May 2007 was creating the British/English team. After screening hundreds of artists Jimmy selected the team, not only on status (preferring more up and coming than already 'made' artists), but on professionalism, humility, excellence & actual passion for football. these included British/Irish bands/DJ’S/Dancers such as NICOLE JANE, DJ SCOTT MORRIS, SEROTONIN, BEST KEPT SECRETS, THE CHAKRAS as well as ex England International & Chelsea star KERRY DIXON.
In June 2007 The team flew to Sochi (the Russian Riviera) in Russia to represent Britain and play against, Team Poland R.A.P., Romanian ACFOR and Russian STARCO in the ARTFOOTBALL 1st International Championships festival among artists rubbing shoulders, playing football, and performing with International football loving celebrities such as GYPSY KINGS, BONEY M and famous musicians/artists/soap stars and International football stars from various countries…It was a roaring success and raised vast amounts of money for various world charities.
This event also helped Sochi achieve the Winter Olympics and due to International acclaim, this event was held again in Russia 2008.
Post Sochi, 3 LIONS received invitations from Poland & Romania for games home & away.
On the 18th November 2007 3 LIONS played the Polish team RAP at Selhurst Park (Crystal Palace FC grounds).
The match was organised by Jimmy and a London based Polish rep. Jan Tomaszewski (legendary Polish goalkeeper) & other soccer celebs flew in for the game.
Phil Neal-ex England/Chelsea turned out for Celeb 3LIONS. As well as returning players from previous games we also had new additions in DJ Mick Mesa, SplurgeBoys,Little Ghosts, Ziggy from Big Brother & artists from X-factor.
​5000 fans turned up for the game and although the weather was abysmal it was a fantastic experience!!
We received notices of support from then London Mayor Ken Livingstone, Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich & other noted individuals.
Funds from ticket sales went towards the dedicated Polish charities and the UK Charity called
Living Waters Child Sponsorship Programme which Celeb 3 Lions is associated with.
In May 2008 the 3 Lions were invited to Romania to play against the Romanian team of Celebrity artists ACFOR. THis was a roaring success and featured in various Romanian tabloids!
We played on the last day of the Romanian Premier League on the ground of Oteluli Galati prior to their final game of the season to a roaring stadium!
In September 2008 the 3 lions participated in the 2nd World Artist Championships in Russia and gave a good representation of itself by beating the National German team of artists and creating an even bigger fan base in Russia by the fantastic concerts.
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2007
2014
The team is now known as The UK3Lions and are continuing to build on this successful past to an ever more successful future.
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