A TEENAGE volunteer who devotes hours of her spare time to training young footballers has been honoured for her work.

Aime Bontoft, 16, from Chingford, has spent the last two seasons helping to coach Wadham Football Club's under seven and under eight teams at their ground in Wadham Lodge, Walthamstow.

And when the schoolgirl is not there she volunteers at the Kick Start Girls Football Club in Morrison Avenue, Chingford, training children aged between three and 15.

In recognition of her dedication, Aime has been honoured with the Essex Football Association's Young Volunteer or the Year Award.

She is one of eight winners out of a total 1,800 national nominees for the series of awards run by the Football Association.

Paula Hudson, Wadham FC's club development officer, said: "Her Grandad Dave Rowan, who is the Club chairman, has been with the club for over 30 years and is extremely proud of her achievement."

He added: "She completed her 200 hours Junior Sports Leaders volunteering award whilst still at school at Chingford Foundation and is about to do her FA Level 2 [certificate].

"She volunteers at both clubs for more than 8 hours per week and has already demonstrated that she is a positive role model and a great ambassador for football.

"Despite only being 16 years old, she is already making a very positive contribution to her local community."

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