Australian FourFourTwo was on hand at the launch at Niketown in London, where world stars Lucas Neill, Didier Drogba, Joe Cole, Marco Materazzi and Andrei Arshavin and others helped kick off the "Lace Up. Save Lives" initiative.

Our journalist managed to get a few words with the Irish crooner as well as getting some time with Socceroo captain Lucas Neill. All the behind the scenes pics and interviews will be available in the February issue of our magazine (out Jan 6).

The partnership delivers a two-pronged approach to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa by delivering funds to support programs that offer education and medication on the ground and will use sport to engage youth around the world in the fight against AIDS in Africa.

The Nike and (RED) concept is a simple one that invites people to "Lace Up. Save Lives" by purchasing a pair of NIKE (PRODUCT)REDTM laces. One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)RED laces will be split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and Nike football-based community initiatives.

(Nike)RED laces are sold separately for $5 from selected Nike stockists in Australia. For stockist information visit www.nikefootball.com/RED