Director of coaching for the English Basketball Association Dave Smith believes a talented York teenager is set for great things in the sport - but only if he gets to go across the Atlantic.

Smith feels that 6ft 7ins Les Hartland needs expert coaching from the US to develop into a star of the future.

As reported in the Evening Press, Hartland, 16, has been offered a basketball scholarship at an American high school, where he will combine studies with playing.

However, he now needs sponsorship to finance the move, with Smith himself supporting the youngster by approaching City of York Council for assistance.

"This opportunity is a life-changing situation for Les," said Smith, who is also the chairman of the York and District Basketball Forum.

"Based in York, Les will not develop as a player neither will he, I believe, achieve his potential as a person. As the present director of coaching for the EBBA, I believe that this opportunity is a once in a lifetime chance for him."

Hartland - nicknamed Big Mac - is a former Fulford School pupil, and had been spotted by US coaches after impressing at a basketball camp in Boston earlier this summer.

Another York youngster, 12-year-old Donna Smith, also went to Boston to take part in the girls' basketball camp.

She looks destined for an exciting future in the sport too having being noted by England selectors.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire International Basketball Camps, run in conjunction with the York and District Basketball Forum, continued this week at Burnholme College, York.

The morning sessions throughout the week are for upcoming players, with last week's sessions at Huntington School having been for novices. Coaches from the US have been taking the sessions during both weeks.

Anyone wishing to offer sponsorship to Hartland, or seeking details on the above, should contact Dave Smith on 01904 431161.