HOPING to score a direct hit in the world of sports reporting is Woolmer Hill School’s year 11 student Alfie Gates, who has got off to a flying start to make his dream to be a sports commentator come true.

He has written football match reports for Woking FC, Godalming FC and Surrey Hills Radio and has an allocated seat in the press box at Woking FC.

The teenager has reported live on Surrey Hills Radio as well as over the PA system at Godalming FC, and has done live interviews with the manager of the Southern League team, plus players from the G’s and their Surrey rivals Leatherhead and Woking

Alfie has raised substantial amounts of sponsorship money for Godalming FC, and has also met with the board of directors at the Weycourt-based club to make presentations on how to increase their fan base.

He won the Community Shield for his work with local non-league football teams at Woolmer Hill’s awards evening in September, and he did the commentary over the PA for this year’s school sports day.

Woolmer headteacher Clare Talbot thanked English teacher Tracey Pemberton for fine-tuning his reporting talents and PE teacher Dan Emery for encouraging Alfie to believe in himself.

She said: “Alfie is a member of the senior prefect team at school and is a fantastic role model for other young people. He has shown real passion, enthusiasm and commitment to get him to where he is today.

“It really shows what can be achieved if you put your mind to something and Alfie is a true inspiration to others.”