In 1977, a group of guys met for the first time in their hometown Växjö, 200 kilometers north of Malmö. Some were childhood friends, some had the sport in common, some were related and some knew each other for different reasons. It was the start of the Kamratföreningen Wexiö Vänner.
Forty-two years later, the boys have become mature men, some members have joined and left but the group has stayed strong. Today, the companion association consists of 34 people. Since 1977, they have met up at least once a year in a place in which one member is affiliated to. It is also that member’s responsibility to arrange activities during their weekend together.
This year, from March 7-10 2019, the group head to Liverpool, with the emphasis on Birkenhead’s football pride, Tranmere Rovers Football Club.
It is Tranmere's great Swedish supporter Larne Wallisson who will be hosting. Larne has spoken warmly about his 30 year love affair with Tranmere Rovers, and tonight there are 17 of the companion association at Prenton Park.
And the evening of honor Kamratföreningen Wexiö Vänner is changing name. This evening they celebrate the historical background of the Tranmere Rovers related to the Viking Age.
This evening, 17 Swedish men occupy Prenton Park, dressed in yellow shirts and with helmets on their heads, and they call themselves - The Sweden Vikings!
Some members have not watched English football live before, but for Larne is a different story, having already watched Tranmere 11 times this season.
Larne said: “We have been planning this trip for about six months and everyone is very curious and excited about what will happen at Prenton Park this evening, says Larne
“The most important thing is that Rovers wins tonight because then all Vikings will be happy and satisfied.”
Besides the evening's match, Tranmere Rovers vs Crewe Alexandra, Larne has put together a huge schedule for the 18 Sweden Vikings, who are staying in Liverpool.
He explained: “A pub night in jazz characters at Ma Boyle's Alehouse and Eatery, a visit to St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery, a journey into the spirit of the Beatles through the Magical Mystery Tour, tour of Anfield, spiritual stove in Liverpool's two cathedrals, and a culinary experience at Liverpool's oldest Chinese restaurant Yuet Ben, at Terry and Theresa Lim is all on the agenda.”
It is an intense weekend where, of course, Tranmere Rovers vs Crewe Alexandra is the highlight for me and my friends, The Sweden Vikings.”
“Unfortunately one Viking is unable to attend and that is the famous author, Jonas Jonasson, who has wrote books such as, ‘The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared’, ‘The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden’, ‘Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All ‘ and ‘The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-Year-Old Man.’
Jonas said: “I am in despair that I am unable to watch Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park tonight, but I hope they will take three points and that my friends will have an unforgettable experience.
Jonas Jonasson is currently writing on his fifth book and who knows - maybe The Sweden Vikings visit to Prenton Park can inspire him to include Tranmere Rovers.
Clearly, The Sweden Vikings are ready a to be at Prenton Park and help the players get a win against Crewe Alexandra.