IT might not match the boiling temperatures of Kenya, but Oxford United players got a taste of their impending charity trip to Africa at a West Oxfordshire wildlife park.

Captain and star striker James Constable and defender Ben Purkiss met meerkats, lions, rhinos, giraffes and snakes during a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford.

They will visit the east African country with 12 fans in June to spend 10 days teaching English in schools and coaching youngsters.

And on the final day of their trip to Nakuru they will go on safari to see lions, meerkats and giraffes in the wild.

Fundraising events are being held to pay for the trip and raise charity cash.

About £800 will go to the Oxford United and Community Sports Trust, which uses sport programmes to inspire youngsters, the disabled and unemployed.

Mr Constable, 26, said: “We’re in a fortunate position with what we do and the life we lead. I’m delighted I’ve been given the opportunity to go out there to give something back.”

He said a previous role at a coaching school in Walsall, West Midlands gave him a taste for bringing the beautiful game to youngsters.

He said: “It was something I really enjoyed doing.”

All those taking part, including the players, need to raise £2,300 for flights, accommodation and food.

Mr Purkiss, 26, said he was inspired by Comic Relief, which supports home grown charities as well as African charities.

He said: “Hopefully I will be able to do something similar and make a difference. It will be nice on a personal level and it will put things into perspective.”

John Armstrong, social inclusion officer at the club, who will join the trip, said: “The money raised will help massively with our community work and will benefit Kenya as well.”

Fundraising events will take place at all United home games, where fans will wash cars from 12pm for £5.

Fans will also raise cash by walking from Oxford to Barnet on April 25, when the U’s play the Greater London team. Constable and Purkiss will also auction football memorabilia to raise cash.

To donate call Mr Armstrong on 07540 865123 or email jarmstrong@oufc.co.uk