Father praises football club after son's death

Zayan was delighted to meet Tamworth's Matthias Curley who became his favourite player, his father said

A father said his son found "one of his happy places" watching his local football team in the months before his death aged nine.

Zubair Ahmed said Zayan "fell in love" with following Tamworth Football Club the first time he went to a match.

Zayan died from heart failure after unexpectedly being taken ill earlier this month.

Mr Ahmed said he and Zayan were lucky to be together at the game when the Lambs were awarded their trophy after they were crowned National League North champions this season.

"He was so excited, he got pictures with all the players. The icing on the cake was wearing the winner's medal," Mr Ahmed said.

"Everyone was so, so lovely to him."

He said he asked if his son "was OK" when he saw tears streaming down his face but realised it was with happiness when Zayan replied it was his "best day ever".

Zayan and his father Zubair enjoyed going to the Tamworth FC matches together

Mr Ahmed, who also supports Liverpool, moved to Tamworth from Evesham with his family in 2022.

His son was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that weakens the muscle walls, when he was five weeks old.

Mr Ahmed thanked Tamworth FC for its kindness to Zayan and messages following his death.

The nine-year-old had touched the lives of many people and was kind, appreciative and respectful to others, he added.

Zayan was thrilled when at one game defender Matthias Curley came over to chat to them, Mr Ahmed said.

"He was sensitive but also loved to get on the dance floor and wasn't shy, he loved socialising," he added.

“He would light up the room when he walked in. He got on with everyone and was the sweetest, sweetest boy.”

Zayan "would light up the room" and loved socialising, his family said

Paying tribute, the club said on social media Zayan was "a massive Tamworth fan".

"Everyone connected with Tamworth FC sends our heartfelt condolences to the parents of Zayan Ahmed," they said.