TALENTED teenager Louise Crolla will be flying the flag for Bury at the World Youth Netball Championship's in Cardiff later this month, writes STEVE CANAVAN.

The 19-year-old has been picked to play in the England Under-21 squad, which is aiming to beat the best teams in the world and bring the trophy home.

And who will be the first person Louise thanks if she's successful ... her mum.

Louise, of Pembroke Drive, Bury, said: "My mum played at county level and she encouraged me to take up the sport. Both her and my dad have been really supportive."

The teenager sets off for Cardiff on Sunday where she and the other 12 England squad members will be staying in a hotel. The team play their first game next Friday but they will not be expecting much support.

"The first match is against Wales so we won't have too many people cheering for us," admitted Louise, who lives with her parents, Peter and Mary, and her younger brother, Michael, 16, who is more a rugby than a netball man.

"But I'm looking forward to it. We've been training as a squad for about four years now so hopefully we will do well."

Louise began her netball career at St Bernadette's primary and then at St Gabriels High School. She has played for YWCA Bury netball team since she was 11 and still plays for the senior team.

She's travelled around the world playing netball from the Bahamas to Australia.

And the next step - with a little bit of luck - will be the full England squad.

Louise, who is working at Radcliffe Baths while studying a management course at Manchester University, added: "There are trials for the senior England team in October so if I perform well at these championships I'll be in with a chance."

The England Under 21 team is in Pool B at the championships and plays against New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Scotland and Wales, before the semi-final and final.