A BUDDING Flintshire football star has appealed to Michael Owen for help after winning a place at a prestigious American university.

Dave Whittaker of Saltney has been accepted on to a training scheme at the Oklahoma Southwestern University, which specialises in sports training.

The 17-year-old is looking for local people and businesses willing to help sponsor his dream and has even written to Manchester United striker Michael Owen.

Dave, who suffers from type one diabetes, won the university place after joining the FirstPointUSA scheme, which promotes rising football stars.

He said: “I would have to pay around $10,000 a year for up to four years, plus the flight costs. The sponsors’ money would go towards fees and equipment and clothes I’ll need to take with me.

“I will get more offers which could be better than the one I've already got and I could still get a scholarship and have it all paid for me, but then I’d still need help with flights and living costs.”

Dave, who comes from a single parent family, is currently in sixth form at St David’s High School, Saltney.

He is an avid Manchester United supporter and started playing football at the age of seven for a team at Vicars Cross.

Dave is now hoping his career will really take off, after putting together a promotional video to showcase his skills.

He added: “I took the FirstPointUSA SAT exam and got a good score and my promotional video is up on the company’s website for universities in America to view. I asked Michael Owen for help by writing him a letter, but I’ve had no reply.”

If you can sponsor Dave contact the Leader on 01352 707751.