Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling has sent a special good luck message to the all the youth teams battling it out to win the Sisk Construction Brent Super Cup this Saturday.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala with fooball youth teams ahead of the Brent Super Cup 2018Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala with fooball youth teams ahead of the Brent Super Cup 2018 (Image: Archant)

The battle is on as 21 teams, including defending champions Youngs FC, go for glory at the Ark Elvin Academy in Cecil Avenue, Wembley.

The football midfielder grew up on the St Raphael’s Estate in Neasden and was a former pupil at the academy.

He said: “I want to wish all the young players the very best of luck for the Brent Super Cup. I know you have all been working hard and showing great commitment for the tournament.

“I also wanted to say well done to all the young volunteers who are supporting the event and helping to make a difference to our community. Good luck to everyone for Saturday.”

Brent & Kilburn Times: Young's FC emerged victorious winners of the Brent Super Cup 2017 (Picture: Nabeel Baig)Young's FC emerged victorious winners of the Brent Super Cup 2017 (Picture: Nabeel Baig) (Image: Archant)

The Brent Super Cup, which was revived last year, is the biggest youth and community sports event in the borough with 250 young people aged 9-12 years old taking part.

The football teams include AFC Wembley, Brent Schools, Kinja FC, Hillside Athletic, LNER, London Tigers, Queens Park Sharks, Roundwood Rangers, Atlantic Allstars, St Andrews, Wembley FC, and defending champions Youngs FC. There are also several girls’ teams this year.

Tottenham Hotspur FC’s foundation team are setting up a Skillszone challenge so players can test out their skills against Spurs footballers.

The family event, which includes various non-sport activities, aims to encourage young people to live healthier lifestyles while also diverting them from anti-social behaviour and gangs.

Stonebridge’s Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala, who is organising the event, said: “It’s fantastic to have Raheem Sterling supporting our young people and the Brent Super Cup.

“I’m sure his message will undoubtedly inspire all the teams taking part in the competition.”

Kick-off is at 12pm.