A GROUP of Sweden-based Wanderers fans have formed an amateur football team named after their favourite player.

Muamba FC ply their trade in a local league in Trollhättan, just north of Gothenburg.

The team was set up in 2012, shortly after ex-Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed in an FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham having gone into cardiac arrest.

Although Muamba had to retire from the game, his battle back to health was a story which captured the world’s imagination and inspired Jordan Ames to dedicate his new venture to the former England Under-21 international.

“At the time we just wanted to play football, so we looked into putting a team together,” said the 25-year-old life-long Whites fan, who also serves as manager.

“We thought naming the team after Fabrice would be a nice tribute because we loved watching him play for Bolton.

“From there it snowballed. We had so much interest from players of all different nationalities and backgrounds in the area.

“It became a real force for good – and Fabrice didn’t know anything about it!”

The Ames family – with father Steve originally from Astley Bridge, 19-year-old Harvey, Rowan (16) and Oliver, aged five, travelled four hours to watch Wanderers train on Thursday and were delighted to meet new manager Phil Parkinson.

But they got another surprise shortly after the training session ended, with a phone call from Muamba to thank them for their touching compliment.

“It made my day to hear that news,” Muamba told The Bolton News. “What a lovely thing to do.”

The Ames family will be over for the first game of the season against Sheffield United and are looking forward to some success in League One.

“I think with this new manager in charge things are looking up,” added Steve.