SPORTING achievements racked up by Woolmer Hill student Alfie Gates have won him a Sports Guildford award and a place on the shortlist as a BBC Surrey and Sussex 2017 Community Hero.

Already living his dream out of school as the youngest member of the 16-strong press pack at Leatherhead Football Club, Alfie (pictured) was awarded ‘Unsung Hero’ by the Ryman Premier League Show for his work as press officer earlier this year.

He followed that up by being named ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ for media services to football in the local area, at the 2017 Sport Guildford Awards.

Borough councillor Iseult Roche said: “It’s wonderful to see so many sporting achievements in our local area. I commend our elite athletes and upcoming stars for their achievements. Many congratulations to all our winners.”

Alfie was one of three finalists for the BBC Community Hero award, but was pipped to the post – yet thrilled to have got so far. “I’m delighted to have won the Young Volunteer award at Guilford Sports award,” he said.

“It means a lot to know that my work is now being recognised and Leatherhead Football Club are now being talked about a lot more. Being nominated for the BBC awards was amazing, I still can’t believe I was shortlisted.

“I’m very thankful to my family, who’ve been there to help me whether that’s taking me to Leatherhead or anything else. My personal aim is to make Leatherhead Surrey’s No 1 team. The future is bright for the Tanners.”