A CHARITY football match will be held in Rogerstone, Newport, in memory of a much-loved former player ten years after he died.

Craig Cowland, known as Dowie, was a popular player at Rogerstone AFC where he played as a striker.

Former team-mates and friends of the 28-year-old, Dowie's Legends, will play in a match against the current Rogerstone AFC side in the match tomorrow.

Mr Cowland, originally from Rogerstone, died suddenly on May 30, 2008 from a rare heart condition at his home in Risca.

The match will raise money and awareness for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Mr Cowland's younger brother, Steve Piacentini, said it is a touching tribute.

He said: "It is a fitting way to remember my brother ten years after he passed.

"All of the players who played with my brother will be playing in the match."

Mr Piacentini said his brother was a popular figure and that there had been an "overwhelming response" to supporting the event.

"He was the heart and soul of any party and a great sportsman," said Mr Piacentini, from Rogerstone, Newport.

"He was very popular and he had a big group of friends.

"There were around 700 people who turned up at his funeral."

Following Mr Cowland's death, close family members were sent for tests on their heart which came back all clear.

Mr Piacentini said it was important to raise awareness about the charity CRY which offers funding for tests to help identify people at risk.

He also wished to thank Niki McGowan, a close friend of Mr Cowland, and Rogerstone AFC for organising the event.

Conor Jones, Rogerstone AFC manager, said he hopes people will come out to support the event.

He said: "It's going to be a fun day.

"We are starting at 12pm and then going to the Tiny Rebel who are putting on food for us before watching the FA cup final.

"It's a nice way for people to come together to celebrate Dowie's life.

"It should be an entertaining game and hopefully there will be a lot of people coming down."

Programs will be on sale for £2 to raise further funds for charity.

Newport City councillor Chris Evans (Newport Independent Party, Rogerstone) thanked the club for organising the event.

He said: "After such a rewarding season on their new pitch it’s good to see the boys giving something back to our community with this fundraiser for Dowie - it’s what it’s all about to me, a community coming together for a worthy cause."

The football match starts at 12pm on Saturday at Rogerstone Welfare Grounds in Tregwilym Road.

To donate to a fundraising page, which has already raised more than £500, visit bit.ly/2L9kvHb.