We are delighted to confirm that Panjab FA will go head-to-head with England’s C team – made up of the Vanarama National League’s best English players – in a landmark friendly at Aggborough Stadium in May. Panjab vs England C tickets here
Following months of ongoing talks and meetings at St. George’s Park, we were gladly informed officially in mid-February. And, echoing our chairman Harpreet Singh’s words, it’s not just a historic landmark in football history, it’s also about celebrating inclusion and diversity and player opportunity for Asian football as a whole.
Here’s Singh’s statement in full:
“After several months of discussions, the moment has come to celebrate a grand fixture for Panjab against England C. From the very first day, the objective of Panjab FA was to provide the canvas for the talents of the Panjabi community, and British Asian footballers to progress through the football pyramid. It’s also a proud moment for me, as a Panjabi, to promote the culture, heritage and identity.
“I want to take this opportunity to reach out to the whole Panjabi and the wider Asian community; the media and public figures to come together and celebrate this new evolution in football – and our love for Panjab, it’s history, and the Panjabi identity.”
Laurence Jones, The FA’s Head of Leagues and Clubs said, “Enabling talented players from every diverse community to play in a match like this just one of the ways we hope to make football truly a game for all. Working with Kidderminster Harriers and Panjab FA we hope this is a well competed game, a family friendly spectacle and something fans will remember for a long time.”
England C, managed by former Stevenage Borough and Barnet man Paul Fairclough, go into the game most recently having beaten Estonia’s u23 team. They face the runners up of the 2016 CONIFA World Cup on May 28 in a 3pm kick-off at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough Stadium.
Panjab national team manager Reuben Hazell, played over 300 league games and captained Oldham Athletic FC expressed his delight upon confirmation of the game. Hazell said, “ Great game to be involved in as a player or a coach, Good test for the boys and should be a momentous occasion for the Panjab team, considering its still less than 3 years old and where all this started from.”
The news follows the announcement earlier this month that Panjab are set to face Leicester City FC Thai International Academy on the 4th of March. This game will present the manager Reuben Hazell an opportunity to take a look at new players. Panjab return to Premier League champions Leicester’s training ground for the second time, following last year’s 2-2 draw.
