The player raised her own funds for the trip, organising a party to raise the majority of her backing.

She said: "It was a touching experience out there, because the kids have nothing although they are all so happy."

Gambia, situated in West Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world. The Gambian illiteracy rate is currently 61 per cent.

GamBLE set up a school, named after and paired with Yalding Primary School, Kent, in the village of Farato to counter these problems.

Vanisha stayed at the school in a tent during her stay, where she deposited Charlton football kits donated by the women's team and inspired females both young and old to get involved in football.

On the venture, Patel said: "It was to build links in education in Gambia, so I taught them maths, English and sports. When we were out there we had a big football match involving the locals.

"Some people's communication levels were low so being able to talk to them in English could be difficult as they are only learning the language. Some of the older students were already good at football and they attended after-school football clubs, which I watched. Their discipline was exemplary and it is such a happy country.

"We were there for 10 days but we got stranded and ended up out there for over two weeks because of the volcanic eruption in Iceland."

She continued: "The only clothes they get are those that are being donated, sometimes they will wear the same outfit all week, their school clothes are torn and often in really bad condition. When we went out we took donations with us. Every year they get new school clothes and equipment from the charity.

"The Charlton women's team gave us lots of donations and football kits and after the big football match, I gave them out. They fitted some of the teachers as well as the pupils. They all really appreciated it."

Patel is now keen to return to Gambia in the near future, adding: "I have to complete my A-levels but there has been some talk of going back. I would definitely want to go again - it was an amazing experience."

Anyone wishing to find out more about the work carried out by GamBLE can do so here.