Jamie Arthur is in the running for the Renfrewshire Community Sports Awards 2015 in the Disability Sport category.

This award category recognises the success and impact of a coach or volunteer in the field of disability sport in Renfrewshire.

The award looks for evidence of an individual’s key involvement in supporting the delivery of quality sporting opportunities for disabled people.

Jamie coaches youngsters from Clippens School in Linwood and Kersland School and Mary Russell School in Paisley.

He is currently in his last year at university where he is studying for a degree in Sport Development at the University of the West of Scotland in Hamilton.

The dedicated 22-year-old has been a volunteer for around four years and has been coaching full time for the last year.

He said: “The money is irrelevant, I love to coach. If people can’t pay for it I don’t care — it’s my ambition.

“Coaching is what I want to do with the rest of my life.” Jamie works with young people with a range of disabilities including Autism and Down’s Syndrome.

He said: “I like the challenge, seeing them progress, it is very rewarding.

“For disability coaching the main sport I coach is boccia. It’s so easy but so enjoyable.” The former Johnstone High School pupil said he has always loved sport and had considered becoming a PE teacher.

He said: “When I was in fifth or sixth year I did a young leadership course and quite liked it. I got involved in Active Schools and loved it ever since.

“I’m working towards an Active Schools coordinator job. I’ve been working hard and put a lot of work into it.” The first time we told humble Jamie that he had been nominated for the award he was delighted.

The Paisley resident said: “I’m surprised. It’s all a bit of a shock. I’ve just been doing my day to day thing I didn’t expect it.” Jamie said he would encourage anyone interested in sports volunteering to go for it.

He said: “If you’re interested in sport, working with kids is the best thing you can do.

“It’s a good thing for your confidence I used to be very shy but now I’m much more confident.” Jamie was nominated for the award by Renfrewshire Council Active School’s lead officer, Susannah Pietyga.

She said: “Jamie, over the years, has done more than anyone else.

“I chose the person who does the most and Jamie is amazing. He works the most hours voluntary and paid.

“He is the top coach at this time.” Nominations will be open until Sunday, August 9 and can be made via the Renfrewshire Community Sports website - http://renfrewshiresportsawards.co.uk Anyone can make a nomination as many individuals/teams as you like.

Please note that the information provided in the online forms may be used as part of an editorial feature within The Gazette or Paisley People.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on September 18, 2015.