Memorial match for popular South Tyneside footballer

Memorial football match in tribute to Jamal Bouzid. From left sister Sasha Bouzid, mother Dawn Bouzid and father Youssef Bouzid.

Friends and loved ones will be gathering at Harton & Westoe Miners’ Welfare in Low Lane, South Shields, tomorrow to remember Jamal Bouzid.

The 21-year-old, from Horsley Hill, South Shields, died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (Sads) in April 2011, after collapsing in the street on his way home from a football match.

Shortly after his death, pals decided that an annual game would be a fitting way to remember the South Tyneside Homes employee, who played for Vets ReUnited and Shields United.

Every year since, the Vets and the Riverside teams have battled it out to win the Jamal Bouzid Memorial Cup.

Vets goalkeeper Simon Parkin, 41, from West Harton, South Shields, is hoping his team can finally bring the cup home tomorrow.

He said: “As usual, we will be playing the Riverside for the trophy.

“The Riverside have beaten us the last three times, so we are desperate to beat them and get our cup back.”

Jamal’s family, which include parents Dawn and Youssef Bouzid and sister Sasha, will also be attending.

Mrs Bouzid will be presenting the cup to the winning team.

Mr Parkin said: “We all still miss Jamal, and the lads who were playing back then still talk about him.

“He scored a few goals for us including one down at Hartlepool in the county cup. I remember when he died some of their lads (who had only met us the once) sent their regards and commented on what a nice lad he was and that it was clear that he loved to play football, like we all do at the Vets.”

He added: “We’re not the best team, but we are the best club.”

Kick -off will be 10.30am with a BBQ and entertainment will follow.