IT takes a special kind of person to sacrifice their free time to help others.

To do so at a young age, when the more selfish distractions of computer games, television and social media are almost all consuming, is even more remarkable.

Seventeen-year-old Brad Patzer would not have it any other way.

As the winner of Warrington Sports Personality Young Volunteer of 2010 award, he has been helping young people to enjoy sport as part of the council’s Positive Futures Activities since he was 14 years old and has clocked up more than 200 hours of sports teaching and peer mentorship.

Having been a community volunteer for three years, Brad cannot imagine a more rewarding way to spend free time than helping promising young athletes turn into talented sportsmen and women.

“I really enjoy coaching and watching the kids come in and learn,” he said.

“I take pride in watching them learn and progress over the course of the year.

“They are just like me when I first joined Positive Futures so it is good to see them move forward and progress.”

Brad first began to volunteer after school at the age of 14 when he was offered a role by one of the scheme’s managers - five years after he had started to attend the sessions himself.

He jumped at the chance and has since achieved a number of official qualifications in order to help him deliver expert coaching to the young people put in his care.

Brad has been awarded a number of rugby coaching certificates, and wants to use his coaching experience in the future.

He said: “I enjoy teaching and can see myself becoming a coach or teacher.”

Short-listed nominees in this category