DESPITE family tragedy keen soccer player Becky Catling is well on the road to being an Army driver.
Former Huddersfield Town Ladies striker Becky, 17, passed her first phase of training, just months after her sister Charlotte died.
Thirteen-year-old Charlotte, who had suffered from several conditions since birth, passed away in the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary last summer after suffering a virus.
But one month later brave Becky, from Netherton, passed her preliminary Army tests.
Now Becky, despite injury, has completed her phase one training after 14 weeks at Pirbright Barracks in Surrey.
Phase one, which is taken by all new recruits, includes physical training, the use of weapons, and outdoor survival.
After a week’s rest at home with parents Richard and Sarah Becky will learn to drive Jeeps and lorries on her phase two course at Deepcut Barracks.
Former Newsome High School student Becky said: “I’ve loved it.
“It’s been a challenge, but it’s been good. There’s a lot of fitness involved, but my football background has made it easier.
“The people you work with are great and I’ve made lots of friends. Coming home feels weird because there’s no-one telling you what do. My mum’s really proud.
“I’ve learned to respect authority. I had an attitude problem and used to give teachers backchat. But now I understand sometimes I have to shut up!
“It’s made me feel proud and better about myself knowing I could deal with problems and prove I could do it.’’
