IN the run up to the Commonwealth Games schoolchildren are hoping to be picked as the sports stars of the future when the first North West Active Sports Talent Camp is held this weekend in Preston.

The University of Central Lancashire will host the camp and more than 1,000 youngsters from across the region -- many from Preston and South Ribble -- are expected to attend.

The initiative, funded by Sport England, includes nine sports -- athletics, basketball, girl's football, hockey, netball, rugby union, rugby league, swimming and tennis.

A two-day programme of activities will take place with an emphasis on training and coaching with the aim of spotting youngsters with international potential.

One of the lucky hopefuls is 15-year-old Melissa Martin of Homestead, Bamber Bridge, who will be showing off her skills for the under-16s girls' football.

Melissa said: "I played netball and rounders at school because I couldn't play football. But I joined PNE girl's football team when I was 12 and then went to trials for Blackburn Rovers' Centre of Excellence and was picked."

The former pupil of Walton-le-Dale High School is now playing for the girl's under-16s at Burnley and would like to make a career in the Lancashire League.

"My favourite player is David Beckham and I'd love to play for England one day," she said. "I think women's football is going international so I stand a chance."