IT MAY be some 4,000 miles away, but distance is no obstacle for African youngsters following their favourite football team – Oxford United.

Boys from Sierra Leone have donned the familiar yellow kit and are playing for ‘Oxford United Mahera Wharf’ in their local league.

The team’s manager, Andrew Abu Kamara, says many of the youngsters dream of one day playing for the U’s.

However, many lack the funds to buy equipment which enables them to get on the pitch, such as football boots.

Mr Kamara said: “I have been the volunteer team manager since December. I have 20 boys in the under-10s side and 20 in the under-12s team, plus 10 officials.

“We are really struggling to register for league games out here [because our players lack the resources to play] and we need football equipment, such as boots or jerseys, food and some medical treatment supplies for the lads.”

He said the boys are looking forward to the Yellows’ clash with Manchester City on Tuesday, September 25.

He said many of them would love to eventually visit the Kassam and watch their favourite team in real life.

“We want the Oxford United fanbase in the UK to know we are out here supporting too”, Mr Kamara added.

“At the moment we are playing the Don Bosco Junior football league competition and we are proving to be unbeatable.”

The dream for the volunteers behind the team is to eventually create a football academy for local youngsters – giving them access to football training alongside schooling – so that some may one day realise their goal of playing professionally.

If you can help the team with donations, email Mr Kamara on kamaraabudan@gmail.com, search ‘Oxford United Mahera Wharf Sierra Leone’ on Facebook or visit gofundme.com/oumwdonboscoappeal