TOM Monk is off to India this month in a bid to make his dream of playing badminton at the 2012 Olympics become a reality.

The 19-year-old, from Smithills, will join a handful of other elite national men's singles players who will receive coaching in the home of some of the world's best badminton players.

The former Canon Slade School pupil is taking a gap year before studying history at Manchester Metropolitan University in order to further his badminton career.

Monk started as a 12-year-old at Markland Hill badminton club in Heaton and has been coached there by Phil Howe as well as by Alan Clarkson at the Bolton Arena.

He has also been coached by former England players Mike Edge and Colin Haughton, and it is his work with the latter at Manchester's Sugden Sports Centre that has earned him his Indian trip.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to learn with some of the best in the world and I'm really looking forward to the intense training," said Monk. "Eventually I'd like to be national champion."

He is the only member of the squad who has not yet played for his country but is ranked No25 in the country and has beaten several top-20 players this season.

Monk trains twice a day and works as a barman at the Markland Hill club in the evenings to help subsidise his expenses.

But he receives no sports funding and is appealing to local businesses or individuals to help sponsor him for the costly three-week trip.

Anyone who can help should ring him on 07791-772139.