OXFORD United fans didn’t let rain dampen their spirits as they turned up to show support for the armed forces at the club’s Military Day.

Despite a torrential downpour at the Kassam Stadium, crowds of supporters got involved with Saturday’s event, which featured members of all three branches of the Armed Forces.

Military Day is normally held towards the end of the season, but broke new ground this year when it was organised for the 1-0 clash against Cambridge United to follow Armistice Day on Wednesday.

Cadets and serving members of the armed forces collected for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and there was an obstacle course and fitness training for fans to join in with, as well as a display of military vehicles.

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The obstacle course for young Yellows was created by Staff Sergeant Alan Walker, of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, based at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon.

He said: “It is a great day for kids. I designed the assault course and set up two bikes in there that we use for tests in the army.

“It is the first time I’ve done Military Day here. It is great to see the club supporting the military.

“We are trying to do some more stuff like this. We want to help the community out in any way we can.”

During the U’s FA Cup first round tie against Braintree Town on November 8, the players wore poppies on their shirts, which were auctioned off on Saturday [14/11] to aid the Poppy Appeal.

Cadets were among those collecting for the appeal and fans who attended the event gave generously.

Season ticket holder Anthony Green travelled to the game from his home in Chester with dad Matthew, as they do for every home match.

The 12-year-old said: “It has been a fun day.

“The football is going well this season too and I think we will probably get promoted.

“My favourite player is Kemar Roofe and I also like Jake Wright and Danny Hylton.”

Shortly before kick-off, and before a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the Paris attacks on Friday [13/11], the match ball was brought on to the pitch and presented to the referee by members of the Armed Forces.

Cadets also acted as ball boys and girls and held Oxford United flags as the players came on to the pitch.

A military helicopter swept over the stands shortly before the kick-off.

Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force member Todd Gidert [corr] said: “People have given us a great reception.

“I have not done Military Day before but we do a lot of community work and poppy selling.

“It is good that the day is held close to Armistice Day this year and people are thinking about the military.”

The game was won by a goal from Ryan Taylor, who said the presence of military personnel was an added incentive for players.

He said: “We wanted to put in an extra-special performance in for them and I think that we did.”