FOOTBALL fans have formed friendships with supporters of rival teams in order to combat loneliness.

Although matches have been predominantly behind closed doors this season, Oxford United fans have been able to watch games via Zoom alongside other supporters, and former players too.

The initiative was led by the club’s charity, Oxford United in the Community, to help those most at risk of isolation during lockdowns.

During the season, charity patrons – and club legends – James Constable and Les Robinson also watched matches with fans.

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Lifetime fan Carol Mankelow said: “It’s not the same watching a game by yourself.

“I dearly miss the atmosphere a match day generates and look forward to returning to the Kassam and visiting away grounds very soon.

“Oxford United in the Community’s watch-a-longs have been brilliant.

“Everyone watching the games loves football, just because we support different clubs does not mean we should not support each other through the pandemic.

“It’s been lovely getting to know some new faces from teams in League One.

“We had a great time with Doncaster and Plymouth fans especially, we’re hopeful of all meeting up at some point when restrictions allow us to do so.”

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Tony Scott added: “The Doncaster game was particularly enjoyable.

“There was good banter between both sets of supporters and everyone had a great time.

“Most importantly, the watch-a-longs made everyone smile.

“Few positives have come from the pandemic, but we’ve definitely met new groups of people who we hope to meet soon when we’re allowed to attend away games.”

Players past and present logged on to watch matches, including Doncaster Rovers midfielder John Bostock, and former Blackpool and Scotland player Tony Green.

Young players aged eight to 18 on Oxford United in the Community’s Community Kicks programme also joined in for United’s 4-1 win at home to Shrewsbury.

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Chris Lowes, head of Oxford United in the Community, said: “Our matchday watch-a-longs have helped make a real difference to the lives of some of United’s most isolated supporters and reduced loneliness across the county.

“Reducing loneliness has been one of our key objectives during the pandemic and we have delivered a series of initiatives to deliver positive impact in this area.”

Alex Blane, development centre manager at Oxford United in the Community, added: “We’re extremely grateful to club charities that took part and helped us deliver our successful watch-a-long programme.

“Not being able to attend fixtures and missing out on the social element a match day creates has been tough for United’s older fanbase, particularly those that live alone.

“We’re pleased to have sparked new friendships in time for the 2021-22 season.”

The scheme aimed to reduce loneliness among people aged over 65.