Friends and family of a student who collapsed and died 12 years ago have held their 11th annual football tournament in his memory.

Ali Naqi Shah, 20, died in March 2006 whilst playing football at Westfield Community Sports Centre, in Watford. Ali suffered from ventricular septal defect – also known as a ‘hole in the heart’.

Since 2008, Al Zahra Youth have hosted the Ali Naqi Memorial football tournament and earlier this month, an 11th ceremony took place to the winning teams.

The Al-Zahra centre, based in Fearnley Street, were joined by the Mayor of Watford and Watford FC Community Trust who have been sponsoring the tournament for the last three years.

Awards were given out to the winners and runners up.

Labour councillor Nigel Bell donated £1,300 from his county council locality fund to help ensure the tournament went ahead. It took place on July 22.

Mayor Peter Taylor said: “It was wonderful to join everyone at the Ali Naqi Memorial tournament presentation ceremony. Out of a terrible tragedy, people have come together to celebrate a fantastic person and raise money for local charities.

“This tournament brings people from different backgrounds together to enjoy playing football, celebrate a young man’s life and to support some great local charities. It was a real honour to be to thank everyone involved in this.”

Kristian Hitchins from the community trust added: “We are honoured to have been involved in the Ali Naqi Memorial Football Tournament for three years now, both as supporter and official charity. Every year we are given a fantastic reminder of creating something positive out of tragedy and bringing communities together in memory as well as in support of local good causes.”