A TALENTED footballer will get the best seat in the house when the Olympics comes to Manchester next month.

For Castlebrook High School pupil Lauren Davies has been chosen to be a ball girl for men’s and women’s soccer matches played at Old Trafford between July 25 and August 7 — including a vital men’s game between Great Britain and Senegal.

The 15-year-old striker, of Oakwell Drive, Unsworth, was nominated for the role by her coaches at the Manchester United Foundation’s Centre of Excellence.

After visiting Old Trafford earlier this year month to get a feel for the 75,000-capacity stadium, Lauren said: “It’s an honour and I’m so proud that I’ve been selected.

“I’m really excited to see some of the games first hand.” Lauren played for Woodbank Girls FC aged nine and was asked to join United’s Centre of Excellence.

Her mother, Jo Davies, said: “All the family are really proud of all she has achieved.

“We all hope Lauren really enjoys being a ball girl and can look back on the experience in years to come knowing she was part of the Games.”

The foundation’s chief executive John Shiels said: “When the rest of the world is coming to England, it is fantastic that local kids have the opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”