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The India-Pakistan rivalry has been famous since ages. The two nations give it their all when they are up against each other on the sports field. However, it is amazing to see a footballing community springing up in the United Kingdom, that has set aside the differences, and is made up of players who have their roots in both India and Pakistan. This football team is Panjab FA, which started off in 2014 after registering with CONIFA.
While FIFA provides opportunities to free nations to participate on an international level, CONIFA does the same at a community level. Despite being such a young side, Panjab FA finished 2nd at the CONIFA World Cup held in 2016. However, the team certainly stands out for bringing together people of the different communities.
Far away from the subcontinent which is known for the rivalry between the two nations, Harpreet Singh, founder and chairman of Panjab FA, and his team are setting an example by bringing the people from the two communities together.
"I don't care if its a player is from India. I don't care if its a player is from Pakistan. If you fill our recruitment criteria and if you can kick a ball, you can play for Panjab FA," Harpreet said. The only criteria for playing in the side is that one must have his roots in Punjab.
A tough challenge awaits Panjab FA as they play an end-of-season friendly against the Liverpool U-23 team at Merseyside. The Reds will be brimming with confidence as they finished the season as runners-up, behind Arsenal U-23.
This will be a good warm-up match for Panjab FA as they gear up for the CONIFA World Cup 2018, which starts on May 31 and promises to be much more competitive this time around.
“We hope that this is the beginning of a great relationship as we look to promote football for British Asians across the country,” says Liverpool U-23 media manager Critchley.
This match will highlight the coming together of professional and grassroots football and promises to be a thriller. Here is all you need to know about the upcoming match:
Date: 14 May 2018
Match: Panjab FA vs Liverpool U-23
Timing: 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST)
Venue: Academy base – Kirby
Television Channel: No telecast
Live Stream: LFCTV GO
You can also follow all the LIVE updates of the action-packed match on Sportskeeda
