A NEWPORT teenager on course to be a sports star in his own right is now coaching youngsters in football.

Jermaine Taylor, 15, is a keen athlete and, aside from training with the Gwent Dragons as a winger, can run 100 metres in just 12 seconds and recently came top of his age category in the 300 metres at a Gwent athletics event in Spytty.

After a rocky start at school getting involved in petty incidents, the St Julian's School pupil recently won the form tutor's recommendation award, a best sportsman prize and last month he won a Positive Futures Mentor award for giving up his evenings to mentor younger children at Newport Velodrome and Tennis Centre.

Jermaine started coaching eight to 14-year-olds two months ago as part of a Communities First project at the Hope Centre, Somerton, supported by Children In Need.

Health and engagement officer for Communities First, Ben Adams, said Jermaine helps out with the football sessions from 6pm to 9pm every Friday and is a great role model for the younger children.

"Since he's been with us I've seen a good change in him, he has a positive attitude and his communication skills have become better," said Mr Adams.

"He is more confident and the children like him - that's massive. He's good to have in your team."

Jermaine can get activities going and keep the children interested, and has become more mature, said Mr Adams.

"We try to bring young people to the community centre and provide sports activities to improve their social interaction, their skills and reduce crime within the area. Jermaine takes an active lead with football and is a good all-rounder, he has gelled well and is very punctual," he said.

The teenager is now doing coaching courses in sport to allow him to take further coaching classes, as well as GCSE and BTEC studies at St Julian's.

Teaching assistant Kade McConville, 20, who coaches Jermaine, described him as an inspiration.

He said: "He has turned his life around and is giving up countless hours helping other children in his evenings."