A FOOTBALL team inspired by the film Bend It Like Beckham welcomed a Bolton Wanderers star to their training session.

Fabrice Muamba visited the team of young women who have named themselves after the hit film.

The group, made up of 20 players from Bolton’s different ethnic communities, has been running for more than a year, with the help of a Premier League initiative called Creating Chances.

Members range in age and come from all different walks of life.

Hansa Pindoria, aged 21, from Great Lever, said: “I really enjoy sport which is why I got involved, and it’s good to meet new people too.

“I think it’s really good to have the team. It’s hard for Asian girls to come out and play football. This really gives us boost — and our parents like it too.”

In the smash-hit film, an Asian girl, “Jess” Bhamra, played by actress Parminder Nagra, struggles against her own family’s prejudices to play in a girls’ football team, which includes Keira Knightley.

Whites star Muamba attended one of Bend It Like Beckham’s twice-weekly training sessions at Powerleague at Leverhulme Park, run by Bolton Wanderers’ Football in the Community initiative.

The England under-21 international, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, spent time with the girls, focusing on warm-up techniques and coaching, and answered questions about his experiences.

He said: “I think a team like this is a good idea because anyone, regardless of race or age, can have the chance to play football. They enjoy it and it will keep them fit.”

Abdul Basit, the team coach and community cohesion officer at Bolton Wanderers, said: “It’s brilliant to have the team and it’s overcoming a lot of barriers. It’s not just about coming together for football – its also about socialising, networking and keeping fit. I hope the team get bigger and better and I hope to set up a junior team too.”

cherry.thomas@thebolton news.co.uk