RISING Huddersfield YMCA star Greg Johnson is preparing for the trip of a lifetime.

The 16-year-old utility back will visit Canada this summer as part of the Yorkshire Terriers touring side.

It's a measure of the Greenhead College student's ability that he has been selected for a Terriers squad which is picked from the top Under 19 players in the county.

The former King James's School pupil has already represented Yorkshire at Under 18s level, but admits this trip away will be the highlight of his career so far.

"I'm going to be the youngest player in the squad, which is a bit daunting," admitted Johnson, who can play centre, wing or full-back.

"But it's going to be fantastic, and a brilliant experience.

"I've been at the YMCA since the age of seven, and I never dreamed of doing anything like this when I first started playing.

"I've played for West Yorkshire at Under 14s and Under 16s level and for Yorkshire at Under 16s, 17s and 18s.

"But going to Canada will be a dream."

Johnson was invited to play for the Terriers after starring for Yorkshire Under 18s in the President's Day clash against Canada earlier in the year.

He is now hoping to be picked for the North of England early in the New Year when he will also embark on a sponsorship drive to raise cash for his Canadian adventure.

The exciting tour, which begins on July 12 and lasts until August 3, will include four tour matches against Canada's leading sides.

There will also be training sessions on a regular basis, as well as the chance to do some sightseeing.

But Johnson and his squadmates have been warned the schedule will be no picnic.

"We'll be going there to win every single match," added Johnson, who is studying law, business, PE and theatre at Greenhead.

"For that to be achieved we have to make sure our preparation is spot-on, so we will be doing a fair amount of training.

"It's during these sessions that you can force your way into the side, and that's obviously what I intend to do.

"I'm the only player from Huddersfield to earn a place in the squad and I want to represent the town with pride.

"I also want to do my best to keep the YMCA flag flying high.

"I just hope I can raise enough cash to fund all my trip.

"It's going to cost £1,700, but the Terriers are already working hard to raise as much cash for us as possible.

"But we've been told we need to get sponsors of our own to cover any potential shortfall.

"And that's what I'm hoping to do now."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Greg can contact him at the YMCA or via Yorkshire Terriers chairman Alan Warriner by e-mailing alan.warriner1@btopenworld.com