A GOODWILL game will be held tonight between Asian youths from High Wycombe and the police to bring the two groups closer together.
The charity match at Wycombe Wanderers's Cause- way Stadium is designed to improve links between the two and remember a teenage friend of the Asian footballers who died of cancer.
Many of the players were deeply affected by the death of 19-year-old spinal cancer victim Naveed Javed in November 2003, but are looking forward to playing at the Causeway.
The light-hearted match is a joint initiative organised by Green Street Youth & Community Centre, AFC Sporting Wycombe and High Wycombe Police.
Saqib Deshmukh, community centre youth worker, said: "Naveed was one of the lads and he was a big personality. It was such a tragedy when he died so young."
Asim Mahmood helped set up AFC Sporting Wycombe team, one of the sides playing tonight.
He said: "For a lot of the lads it's a massive dream to play at a proper stadium and to play in front of family and friends at the Wycombe ground tonight. It will be a big event.
"For the young Asian men who are taking part it is also about improving relationships with the police and encouraging local communities to come to the ground."
Fans turning up to watch the game will be able to donate cash needed for cancer units, both here and in Pakistan.
Teams of police officers and police community support officers, go head to head with the established AFC Sporting Wycombe side and a Wycombe Asian Select XI.
Sgt Nigel Headley helped co-ordinate the event. He said: "It's great to be able to work with the community in this project, coming together to raise money for such a good and worthy cause.
"Cancer effects one in three people and can effect anybody at any time in their life. Sadly I lost my gran to it last year, and so have seen first-hand the impact it can have on a family."
The game will take place at the Causeway Stadium, in Hillbottom Road, Sands, at 6.30pm. Admission is free.
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