FANS will be able to watch Non-League‘s Three Lions for free this Sunday as England C take on the Panjab FA in a landmark friendly.
The match, to be played at Solihull Moors‘ Damson Park ground, will be the first between Paul Fairclough‘s team and the Panjab side and will celebrate inclusion and diversity.
The Panjab FA team play under CONIFA – an organisation created to allow ‘national’ teams not allowed to join FIFA to represent themselves on a global stage.
The Panjab side is made up of players from Indian and Pakistani descent with many playing towards the top of the Non-League Pyramid.
They are managed by ex-Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic defender Reuben Hazell and Panjab FA founder and chairman Hanpreet Singh is hoping for a bumper crowd.
To allow as many people as possible to attend the game, admission has been made free and an experimental England C squad will be expecting a tough test in the West Midlands.
Panjab FA’s Singh said: “To make it an admission free game was something that was on my mind from the moment the game was agreed with The FA back in January. Of course with all costs associated with hosting the game, you have to look at various aspects and what works best.
“However, I am so delighted with the game taking place, it is more important to me that all people from different background;, the young, the elderly, people who may never have watched a football match previously, to come to the game and enjoy this unique fixture, the first of its kind.
“Why not? I had a feeling in my heart that I wanted to make this an event that is not charged on the people. I have great devotion for creating opportunities, participation, inclusion and diversity. I want this to be the start of a prosperous relationship between Panjab FA, The FA and most importantly the people, after all, it is about the people.
“I am a proud Panjabi patriot and this will be another milestone for Panjab FA as we continue to build credibility in the game and for British Asian footballers, especially for the next phase, with plans in place for a player participation in the thousands very soon.”
All fans must produce printed tickets on arrival and you can register for free tickets here
