OXFORD City Stars’ new owners have stepped in to help finance their Shooting Stars team’s return trip to Lyon.

The Shooting Stars, a recreational team based in Oxford, are made up of fans and local amateur players and last year won the Lyon International Friendship Tournament.

The side have been struggling to raise funds to defend their title.

The new board at Oxford City Stars stepped with personal donations to help the team to fly to Lyon and stay close to the venue.

City Stars’ director Russell Shrives, said “It is important that we try and assist all Oxford ice hockey teams and build relationships that support each other.”

Peter Smith, the Shooting Stars head coach said: “The donation they have given has allowed the players to prepare and travel in the best way possible and gives the team a strong fighting chance of retaining the trophy.”