Friends and family who hold an annual football tournament in memory of a former player harnessed the event to help the community.

Ali Naqi Shah, 20, was a student and community youth worker who collapsed and died in March 2006 whilst playing football at Westfield Community Sports Centre, in Watford.

On Sunday August 28, the Al Zahra Youth hosted the ninth Ali Naqi Memorial Football Tournament in his memory.

His nephew Haydar Shah, 24, said: "Ali suffered from ventricular septal defect – also known as a ‘hole in the heart’, he died playing football, so after the dust had settled we put our heads together and decided, what better way to remember him - so we held the first tournament in 2008, since then we have grown and grown."

This year however the Al Zahra Youth organisers decided they wanted to do more than just host the tournament, so looked for a local cause to support.

Razi Hassan of the newly completed Al Zahra Islamic Centre, Fearnley Street, Watford, said: "We have a huge challenge on our hands.

"When I was growing up there were two or three homeless people and everyone knew them - now on my way into work I encounter new faces each day sleeping rough.

"Charity starts at home or in our case Watford town. The fact is that faith-based organisations are often seen as inward-looking, so by raising £750 for a local non faith-based cause we wanted to show that we’re different.

"There is a famous saying of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son in law of the holy Prophet Muhammad, who says ‘people are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equal in humanity’.

"We interpret that as our responsibility to help everyone that we possibly can - regardless of religion or race. That is a message that is probably more important than ever."

This year's tournament was the most successful to date despite poor weather on the day and other factors meaning fewer teams than previous years. Now the organisers are already planning for the tenth anniversary of the tournament next year.

Talking about their involvement with the tournament and their experience of working with the organisers Tamora Burford, fundraising and partnerships manager for Watford FC CSE Trust said: "It was great to be involved in the Ali Naqi Memorial tournament, organised by Al Zahra Youth, and show our support to a story of creating something positive out of events so tragic.

"As a registered charity, the trust is reliant on the support and generosity of the community in which its serves so to be named charity of choice will help us continue to deliver health, sport and education activities and make a positive difference to people’s lives."

If you would like to learn more or want to get involved with next years tournament visit www.alinaqi.co.uk or www.facebook.com/myalzahra or contact Ali Raza Shah on 07930 857809.