Roberts has high hopes for AFCAR’s future after over £15,000 is raised

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Reading forward Jason Roberts is hopeful another AFCAR match will take place after it was announced that this year’s event raised more than £15,000 for charity.

The fun-day held at Brentford’s Griffin Park has been applauded for bringing local communities together in celebration of sport.

West Londoner Roberts, who started his career at Hayes, is one of AFCAR’s founders and wants to see the initiative go from strength to strength.

“This is a massive thing for the local communities. So many diverse cultures coming together and all the people that came out – it’s full of positives,” Roberts told West London Sport.

“It’s brilliant for the local area and all the people here including the kids. They get to see some quality players that are still playing and some legends too.

“People like Ian Wright, Paul Merson, Michael Thomas and Paul Davis – legends. It’s helped us by having such a good turnout.”

And the 35-year old is optimistic about the future for AFCAR after its impressive first year.

Roberts said: “We want to see it grow. Just look at the amount of people that we had come out. The atmosphere was great. It’s all so positive.

“I hope we can do it next year, conversations have started now. I’m just blessed to be a part of it all.”

A host of former players have declared their support for the initiative.

They include ex-Fulham and Tottenham midfielder Sean Davis, who believes AFCAR can play a key role in the development of local youngsters.

“This is exactly the type of thing kids need,” said Davis.

“There should be a lot more of this – especially around this area. I can’t believe there hasn’t been anything like this before.

“It brings the local community together, it helps charities – there are so many positives.”

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