THE Beautiful Game has helped build bridges between two sets of youngsters.

Young members of the Goan and Muslim communities made new friends as they played football against each other for the first time in years.

Yesterday's match next to the County Ground athletics track had been organised to rid Broadgreen of the animosity between the young people that live there.

On the pitch, the Goan team won 6-2 despite a strong second-half fightback from their Muslim counterparts.

Doug Imrie, a community sports coach, who splits his time working for Swindon Council and WASSP (Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Programme), said the match was played in the right spirit.

He said: "This is the first time in years that these lads have come together for something like this.

"I think this has helped them get to know each other better and relations should be better between the two groups.

"I wondered if the 90 minutes would create a bond or a wedge between them and I'm glad to say it was a brilliant match. They shook hands at the end and behaved really well."

Rushton Pereira, who manages Goa FC, said the match wouldn't have taken place without Doug's hard work.

"Doug has made this happen," he said. "I think this match is a great idea.

"It improves community relations and gives them a chance to play together in a team atmosphere. A lot of hard work has been put into this, so to see this come together has been brilliant," he said.

Imran Shah, captain of the Muslim side who call themselves Central FC, said the match would improve community cohesion.

"I think this was a brilliant idea.

"We got to know each other a bit more, make friends, and just have a good time. I think we should have more events like these in the future."

Goa FC players Denzil Noais and Anthony Fernandez said they both enjoyed the kickabout.

Denzil said: "This was a friendly match, so was quite fun and kept us entertained."

Doug's attempts to break down boundaries has also seen his involvement with two youth clubs. The Bangladeshi Association in Gorse Hill has a club every Monday between 5.30pm and 9.30pm, while Skeetz meets at the Broadgreen Community Centre every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. For more information call Doug on 01793 511033.