A DEDICATED Irvine volunteer, who goes above and beyond the call of duty to give other young people opportunities in sport has had his tireless work recognised by being named as a finalist in the sportscotland Scottish Sports Futures Awards 2020.

Jamie McDougall has taken on a leadership role at his Shell Twilight Basketball session in Irvine since joining Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) Ambassador training programme in 2018.

Struggling with confidence last year, he worked to develop his coaching and leadership skills and has been a driving force in the session continuing to run locally. Jamie has also volunteered at various SSF events and has earned a place at University to study sports coaching.

Jamie applied to be a Wellbeing Ambassador in 2019 and shares messages about the benefits of sport and physical activity for mental health and wellbeing with the young people he works with.

Now the 22-year-old’s determination to help the young people he works with has been recognised after Jamie was named as a finalist in two categories, the Spirit of the Year award and as part of a five-strong team named nominated for Event Champions of the Year at the sportscotland Scottish Sports Futures Awards 2020.

Many of the finalists gathered at Glasgow Club Easterhouse on January 25 for a day of celebration and several group activities including basketball and a mental health workshop. The sportscotland and Scottish Sports Futures Awards 2020 will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on Friday, February 28 and will showcase how sport can be used for positive social change and celebrate the incredible commitment of the young people who engage in sport through SSF and those who have supported them.