ENGLAND boss Sven Goran Eriksson put his injury worries aside to send a good luck message to youngsters taking part in soccer match to promote racial harmony.

The super Swede took time out to write to organisers of the Blackburn tournament and wish them all the best with the event.

Sven's letter, sent from England's base in Korea, said: "Best wishes to everyone in Blackburn for Saturday from the squad in South Korea. Have a great day!"

The boost comes ahead of today's event and will see mixed Asian and white teams taking part in the Blackburn Harmony Soccer Tournament.

More than 250 budding soccer stars will limber up at Rovers' Brockhall training centre for the first ever tournament which hopes to show racism the red card in football.

The 11 and 12-year-olds will score a one-off chance to train at the top class training pitch as a unique slice of the soccer life-style.

The youngsters will also be meeting with Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati who has swopped her role as Sunita Parekh to present the trophies and medals.

The day-long tournament of multi-race local secondary school teams hopes to help break down barriers between the two communities. Blackburn companies and and the council have joined forces to kick off the event.

Chief Super John Thompson, Eastern Divisional Commander, who will be handing out the trophies, hopes this will be the first of many events under the Harmony banner.

He said: "Sport is an excellent way to bring children from all social and cultural backgrounds together to encourage them to interact and work as a team.

"Events like this are all about removing barriers and prejudices at an early age."

John Butterworth, director of event-sponsors Transco North West, said: "Harmony is an excellent project which is harnessing young people's boundless enthusiasm for football for a very worthwhile cause.

"With recent tensions in some East Lancashire communities, this is a timely move to help bring communities together and build good relationships between youngsters from different racial backgrounds."

The event has been organised by the Eastern Division of Lancashire Constabulary with help from Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council.

The event runs until 4pm with medals, trophies and prizes for the winning teams.