AS END-OF-SEASON fixtures go, this one was certainly out of the ordinary.

Oxford United’s captain and star striker James Constable has returned from his charity trip to Kenya and last night spoke about his experiences.

Constable was joined on his trip by eight fans and John Armstrong, the Oxford United social inclusion officer.

The group spent 10 days in the east African country teaching English in schools and coaching children in sport.

The 26-year-old said: “We forget sometimes how lucky we are as a generation. It was quite a reality check.

“We went to a slum and saw children who were living on what was just a rubbish tip in little shacks.

“It brings it all home.”

Following the trip, a team of Kenyan youngsters will wear Oxford United tracksuits next time they take to the pitch. They were given the kits after winning a tournament refereed by Mr Constable.

Constable said: “The tournament was all played in good spirits and a real success. He added: “It was an amazing experience and fascinating to see how other people are living out here.

“It was hard work, hot and tiring, but worth every minute.”

On the final day of their trip to Nakuru, in Kenya, they went on safari and saw a whole range of animals from leopards to rhinos.

Constable said: “It was something I have always been keen to do.

“To do what I do is quite a privilege and I have wanted to maybe give something back.

“It has already had an effect on me and I would love to do something like this again.

“Since I have been back I have already been thinking of other things we can do and ways of building that relationship with that part of the world.”

The trip was organised with the help of voluntary organisation Kenyan Adventure. Funds raised from the trip will be divided between some Kenyan charities and the Oxford United and Community Sports Trust, which uses sports programmes to help youngsters, the disabled and the unemployed.

Each member of the group had to raise the £2,300 needed for flights, accommodation and food.

Fundraising events took place at some of last season’s home games, with fans washing cars and walking from Oxford to Barnet for one game.

As part of his preparation for the trip, Constable auctioned football memorabilia to raise money.

A knee injury prevented Oxford United defender Ben Purkiss joining the trip.

news@oxfordmail.co.uk * To donate, visit justgiving.com/ oufc-youthandcommunitysports trust