CHARLOTTE Hartley cast a brief but envious eye over the England team during the recent Euro 2005 Championships before realising she had made the right decision.

For had circumstances been different, Charlotte could have been lining up alongside the likes of Rachel Brown, Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey at the championships.

But the former Mansfield High School pupil pursued another team sport and, after marking her full England hockey debut with a gold medal, she has no doubts that she got it right.

The 19-year-old has just returned from Korea where, after getting a surprise call-up to the squad, made a telling contribution by winning five caps, scoring a goal and helping England lift the KT Cup.

Hockey, not football, is the sport for Burnley-born Charlotte.

"I've always been interested in football and hockey and a few years ago I had England trials for both sports at the same time. It was then that I had to decide between the two and I am glad I decided to pick hockey.

"I have to admit, I did see some of England during Euro 2005 and thought that could have been me," added Charlotte who lives in Cliviger."But I have no regrets about the decision I have made."

Charlotte has now played for England at every level from Under 16s to the seniors and can't wait to get bit more of the action.

"It was a real shock to get called up to the senior squad because I have been playing for the Under 21s. Just to go out to Korea was brilliant but to get picked, score a goal and help England win the tournament is something I will remember forever."

While Charlotte's long term goal is to earn a permanent place in the senior side, the talented midfield player has more pressing matters at Under 21s level. For she is a key figure in the squad that will compete in the Junior World Cup in Chile in September.

"My main aim is to get in the to senior squad but I know I have time on my side to do that. At the moment, I am concentrating on the Under 21s and preparing for the World Championships."

Talk of world championships and the England senior side would have been the furthest thing from Charlotte's mind when she first picked up a hockey stick as a 13-year-old.

And her travelling exploits took her no further than Walton, Primet and Park high schools rather than far flung places likes of South Africa and Korea.

But it was former Mansfield High School teacher and hockey coach, Lil Dykes, who encouraged Charlotte to take up the game.

"I've been lucky enough to have had a lot of people who have helped me but Lil has been the biggest influence," said Charlotte who also worked under Lil at Nelson Hockey Club.

"She is a great hockey coach and has real enthusiasm for the game. She is the main reason why I have gone on to play for England."

Charlotte repaid some of that faith Lil showed in her by making sure she was one of the first people to see her gold medal.

Since picking up that hockey stick six years ago, Charlotte has sampled her fair share of success.

She helped Mansfield reach the Lancashire finals of a competition usually reserved for sides from public schools. Charlotte was also a part of a triumphant Nelson Hockey Club and played for Lancashire and North of England.

She is currently playing for Altrincham side Hightown in the National Hockey League.

And just like her exploits at Mansfield and Nelson, she has helped a small club punch above its weight.

For Hightown won the treble last season to qualify for a Champions League-style European tournament in Holland where they won bronze

And she has also helped Loughborough University -- where she has just completed the first year of a sports science degree -- retain the league title for the 11th successive year.

Despite her obvious talents, hockey is still an amateur sport, so Charlotte relies on the support of local sponsors to help pay for her travelling costs. So far paediatrician David Tinker, HW Petty and Co and Oddies Bakery have all offered support for which she is very grateful.

Juggling her studies with England training and club and university team commitments makes for a hectic lifestyle. So winding down plays a major part in Charlotte's life and that comes in the form of her 'best friend', Dudley her horse.

"When I'm not studying, training or playing, I always try to get home to see my horse. Dudley is my best friend and riding is the perfect way to wind down and relax."

Given Charlotte's determination to succeed and with goals of playing in future Commonwealth Games and Olympics, it looks likely that she will be riding high for a long time to come.

Any other local companies who would like to sponsor Charlotte can contact her on 07813 027 033.