WHILE there is no game for Oxford United this weekend, in the virtual universe they will embark on a cup adventure tonight.
In the absence of actual football, Leyton Orient stepped forward to organise an online FIFA tournament.
The idea, which has also raised more than £25,000 for charity, took off this week with 128 clubs signing up.
Also read: Oxford United planning is a daily job during coronavirus stoppage, says MD
Each have appointed a representative to play, with the first round set for this weekend.
In the hotseat for United is the manager of their esports team, Dom Wade.
The 30-year-old from Headington is a lifelong supporter and has been stunned by the response, which included a good luck message from winger Marcus Browne.
“That made my day to be honest,” Wade said.
“It’s so surreal.
@xDWade88 you got this. Do us proud💛🙏🏽 https://t.co/8ieUjO7TDP
— Marcus Browne (@MarcusBrowne14) March 17, 2020
“My phone hasn’t stopped pinging all week and I’ve had countless people messaging me with support.”
The draw on Tuesday night attracted a lot of interest, alhough United’s initial opponents have since pulled out.
Rather than taking on Danish side FC Nordsjælland, Wade’s opponent will now be from French top-flight club Lille.
Kick-off is at 7pm on Sunday, with the game screened live online at twitch.tv/oufcofficial.
Elsewhere in the draw are the likes of European giants Ajax, Roma and Olympique Marseille.
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Esports is a rapidly growing industry and there have been talks about whether it could be incorporated in the 2024 Paris Olympics as a demonstration event.
And Wade believes with traditional sport in lockdown worldwide as a reaction to coronavirus concerns, this could be a big moment for esports.
He said: “I looked through the comments on the Leyton Orient feed and you could just see that people wanted to watch some kind of sport.
“It’s a massive opportunity for esports.
“The amount of interest I’ve had on my account and the Oxford United account has been phenomenal.”
The intention is to stream the games live online – and Wade admits the pre-match nerves are kicking in already.
He said: “Of course there’s a bit of pressure on my shoulders.
“But I deal with pressure three nights a week with my esports team, so I’m kind of used to it.”
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