A GROUP of young men are finding friendship on an Oxford football field after fleeing war and persecution in their native countries.

Hailing from as far afield as Afghanistan, Iraq and Rwanda, the lads all have first-hand experience of the horror of war.

Some even witnessed the deaths of their parents.

But thanks to Oxford-based charity Asylum Welcome, they have found a sense of belonging again - through football.

A youth team, All Nations FC, was formed in 2005 to build confidence and develop teamwork among vulnerable youngsters.

Now 22 youngsters are signed up - and their aim is to enter a league next year.

Defender Innocent Shema is from Rwanda and was just four when his parents were murdered in the genocide of 1994.

Innocent, now 18, said: "When we arrived, it was scary and new. But last year, I started playing football and I found it helped to be part of a team again."

Now studying for his A-Levels at Oxford & Cherwell College, he said: "Many of the team have had very difficult lives like me so I feel part of something with them. Even though we are from different countries, football is the same in every language."

Saman came to Oxford alone in the back of a lorry when he was 15. He came to England because he feared for his life in Iran.

Saman said: "When I came to England, I felt so alone and frightened, I could not sleep at nights.

"Back home, I played football every day, it was everything to me. When I came to Oxford, I missed playing football.

"But a person at social services suggested I speak to Asylum Welcome and that's when I found out about the football team."

Now 18, Saman, who trains with a team at the Dragon School, in Bardwell Road, said: "Now I am studying business at college and I am part of a team."

Asylum Welcome staff and volunteers work with asylum seekers, refugees and detainees to give them advice, support and access to their rights.

Director of the charity Matt Holman said: "All Nations FC is a wonderful project. It is fantastic to see the young men enjoying themselves.

"We are going to start another youth team and we hope to have a couple of adult teams as well. Foot- ball is an international language."

Denis Hysenbelli, 26, Asylum Welcome youth worker and coach of All Nations FC, said: "Being involved in the team has had a massive impact on the guys, both in their playing and also socially.

"Most came here and felt alone. But in the football team, they have found comfort, because they can sympathise with each other.

"They now know each other very well and have bonded together through football. They are all good friends and make jokes with one another."

For more details go to www.asylum-welcome.supanet.com