Cara lives United dream

ON the ball . . . Cara Fields who has been headhunted by Manchester United

A schoolgirl is urging teenagers to get involved in Go! Oldham activities after it led to her being headhunted by Manchester United talent scouts.

Cara Fields (14) was first spotted at a football competition that was arranged by Oldham Council’s Integrated Youth Service.

The Royton and Crompton pupil now trains with United’s under-16 girls squad twice a week at their Centre of Excellence and plays in matches every Saturday.

Cara, from Royton, said: “I am now playing my second season with Manchester United.

“We play all over the country and take part in a training regime. It’s quite difficult and we have to keep a record of our training and nutrition.

“If it wasn’t for Go! Oldham, I wouldn’t have known about all of this and wouldn’t have been able to get involved.”

Cara, a central midfield player, believes more young people should get involved in Go! Oldham youth activities and make the most of the opportunities on their doorsteps.

She said: “If all these activities weren’t arranged for young people in the borough I think they would be getting into trouble and getting involved in things they shouldn’t.

“The activities give you a chance to mix with people that you wouldn’t normally spend time with, gain more confidence and learn lots of different skills.”

Go! Oldham is an online What’s On guide for young people age 20 and under.

It is currently showcasing activities for Go! Winter during this month’s half-term holiday, ranging from skateboarding and teen gyms to drumming and DJing.

Cara’s mum Mary believes parents have a role to play in encouraging children to get involved.

She said: “A lot of people her age are going out at weekends and acting a lot older than they are.

“If they get involved in a hobby or sport, this helps them to avoid going down the wrong path.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet cember for citizens and neighbourhoods, said: “Cara’s story is an inspiration and one which shows that Go! Oldham can also be a passport to finding a route into something that young people excel in.

“I would urge youngsters and parents alike to take the time to visit the website.”

Visit www.gooldham.com to find out more.