Fans can be born supporters, literally

FOOTBALL fans often claim to be born supporters, but a German club has taken this to the next level with a delivery room for births, decked out in team colours, a throw's away from the ground.

Bundesliga outfit Hanover 96 said that since the service was set up in cooperation with a local hospital a few months ago, it is now just one baby short of a team. The idea for the room, which is decked out in Hanover's green, black and white colours, came from two football-crazy midwives at the clinic. The mother of the latest baby born at the clinic, Ben, who came into the world on March 2, said it was a "great idea".

"This project could allow children to identify very quickly with their club," said club officials. The two-time champions of Germany are currently languishing in 16th place in the Bundesliga. AFP